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HYMNJ 


FOR 


Mi^Bm 


SELECTED  AND  ALTERED. 


WITH 


APPROPRIATE  TEXTS  OF  SCRIPTURE. 


BV   THE    AUTHOR   OF 
CONVERSATIONS    ON    COMMON    THINGS.' 


Early  lay  the  foundation  of  Piety :  look  upon  the  universe  which, 
you  inhabit,  not  as  the  abode  only  of  human  cares  or  human  joys, 
but  as  the  Ttmple  of  the  Living  God,  to  whom  your  praise  1$  ^UC; 
and  to  whom  your  best  service  is  to  be  performed. — Alison. 


BOSTON  : 

^fONROE  AND  FRANCIS,  128  WAfeHINGTON-STREET, 

1825. 


DISTRICT    OF   MASSACHUSETTS,  TO  WIT  : 

District  Clerk^s  Office. 

Be  it  remembered,  that  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  March,  A.  D. 
1825,  in  the  Forty-Ninth  Year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  Munroe  &  Francis  of  the  said  District,  have 
deposited  in  this  Office  the  Title  of  a  Book,  the  Right  whereof  they 
claim  as  Proprietors,  in  the  Words  following',  to  wit  : 

Hymns  for  Children,  selected  and  altered,  with  appropriate  texts 
of  Scripture. By  the  author  of  "Conversations  on  Common  Things." 
— '  Early  lay  the  foundation;of  Piety  :  look  upon  the  universe  whick 
yow  inhabit,  not  as  the  abode  only  of  human  cares  or  human  joys, 
but  as  the  Temple  of  the  Living  God,  to  whom  your  praise  is  due, 
and  to  whom  your  best  service  is  to  be  performed.' — Alison. 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
entitled,  "  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing 
the  copies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprie- 
tors of  such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned  ;"  and 
also  to  an  act  entitled,  "  An  act  supplementary  to  an  act, 
entitled.  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing 
the  copies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  propri- 
etors of  such  copies  during  the  times  therein  mentioned  ;  and 
extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  engraving, 
and  etching  historical  and  other  prints." 

JOHN  W.  DAVIS,    Clerk  of  the  DistHct  of  Massachusetts. 


DEDICATION. 

In  again  addressing  myself  to  you,  my  young' 
pupils,  I  would  direct  you  more  immediately  to 
the  means  of  attaining  principles  of  early  piety 
and  excellence.  You  are  young,  it  is  true, 
but  not  too  young  to  become  good  and  virtu- 
ous, — not  too  young  to  lay  the  foundation  of 
your  future  happiness. 

I  have,  in  this  little  book  attempted  to  fur- 
nish you  with  such  hymns  as  shall  at  once  in- 
terest your  hearts,  and  guide  you  in  the  attain- 
ment of  that  piety,  which  the  wise  have  told 
us  "  is  an  ornament  of  pecuhar  beauty  to  those 
who  have  not  seen  many  years."  Early  habits 
of  devotion  will  not  only  strengthen  and  secure 
you  in  virtue,  hut  shed  peace  and  tranquillitj' 
over  your  whole  lives.  I  would  fain  teach  you 
to  aspire  after  that  wisdom,  whose  heavenly 
fruits  are  those  of  righteousness,  and  draw  you 
even  now,   to   the   frequent   contemplation   of 


DEDICATION. 


that  great  and  good  Being,  from  whom  you  de- 
rive all  that  is  given  you  to  possess  and  enjoy. 
I  would  persuade  you  to  consecrate  yourselves 
to  him,  while  your  minds  are  yet  free  from  the 
engrossing  cares  of  maturer  years,  and  to  re- 
member him  while  your  hearts  are  tender  and 
alive  to  pure  and  holy  impressions.  Yes,  my 
dear  pupils,  present  them  to  your  Maker,  a 
worthy  offering,  which  will  not  alone  be  ac- 
ceptable to  him,  but  secure  to  yourselves  an  in- 
heritance of  perfect  and  endless  bliss  in  heaven. 
"  If  you  would  be  happy  when  you  die,  be 
pious  while  you  live  : — if  you  would  be  cheer- 
ful when  you  are  old,  be  religious  while  you 
are  young.'' 

Your  affectionate 

TEACHER. 


PREFACE. 

It  is  with  diffidence  I  offer  this  Httle  vol- 
ume to  those  parents  and  teachers,  who  habit- 
ually appoint  their  children  and  pupils  sabbath 
lessons.  The  desire  of  furnishing  ray  youth- 
ful charge  with  a  collection  of  useful  and  inter- 
esting hymns,  added  to  the  hope  of  more  ex- 
tended usefulness,  has  induced  me  to  prepare 
this.  I  could  have  wished  indeed  that  some 
abler  and  maturer  hand  had  performed  this  dif- 
ficult, though  not  unpleasant  task. 

At  present  I  know  of  no  hymn  book,  de- 
signed for  children,  which  I  could  conscien- 
tiously put  into  their  hands  ;  in  truth  I  know  of 
but  one  in  print,  which  has  been  in  any  general 
use,  and  that  I  believe  is  found,  even  by  those 
who  think  most  favourably  of  it,  to  be  very  ex- 
ceptionable : — whether  this  will  be  thought  to 
supply  in  any  degree  the  necessity  which  exists 
for  a  better,  remains  to  be  proved.  It  does  not 
seek  to  merit  praise  either  on  the  ground  of 
originality  or  perfection  ;  its  claims  are  hum- 
ble, and  its  pretensions  are  chiefly  rested  on  the 

good  works  of  others,  and  I  trust  it  will  not  be 

a2 


O  PREFACE. 

thought  that  too  great  liberty  has  been  taken 
in  selecting  and  altering  those  good  works y 
when  the  object  for  which  it  has  been  done  is 
considered. 

Engaged  as  I  am  in  the  instruction  of  chilr 
dren,  it  is  natural  my  thoughts  should  be  chief- 
ly directed  to  the  means  by  which  that  end 
may  be  the  most  directly  and  effectually  accom- 
plished, and  I  have  felt  justified  in  availing  my- 
self of  them,  wherever  they  were  to  be  found. 

While  preparing  these  hymns  expressly  for 
the  use  of  children,  I  have  feared  they  would 
lie  open  to  one  very  decided  objection  in  the 
minds  of  some,  and  perhaps  to  many  in  the 
opinion  of  others.  Numbers  of  them  I  am 
sensible  will  be  thought  not  entirely  adapted  to 
a  juvenile  capacity.  Perhaps  few  are  aware 
of  the  difficulties  which  arise  in  preparing 
hymns  suited  in  all  respects  to  a  young  mind. 
On  one  hand  there  is  danger  of  presenting  in- 
ferior and  degraded  ideas  concerning  the  attri- 
butes and  works  of  the  Creator,  and  on  the 
other,  of  using  language  too  exalted  and  figura- 
tive. Tome  the  latter  evil  (if  it  must  be  called 
one)  appears  far  the  least,  and  the  unly  one 
which  may  be  hopefully  remedied. 

Children  rarely  if  ever  forget  hymns  which 
they  have  been  taught  in  infancy,  but  when  ar- 


PREFACE.  ( 

lived  at  years  of  reflection,  retain  and  repeat 
with  delight  those  sublime  and  beautiful  lessons 
acquired  in  their  earlier  and  more  leisure  hours. 
Is  it  not  better  then,  through  the  medium  of 
the  imagination,  aided  by  captivating  imagery, 
to  exalt  and  refine  the  spirit  of  devotion,  than 
allow  it  to  degenerate,  or  become  quite  lost 
amid  the  rubbish  of  irreverent  and  grovelling 
rhymes  ?  '  The  mind,'  says  an  excellent  and 
well  known  writer,  '  will  unavoidably  take  its 
character  from  the  objects  presented  to  it :  if 
these  be  low  and  trifling,  so  will  be  its  pursuits 
and  desires  ;  if  they  be  rational  and  sublime, 
the  thoughts  and  conduct  will  be  ennobled  and 
dignified.' 

Again,  some  will  argue  that  there  are  Cat- 
echisms for  children,  and  these,  say  they,  re- 
move the  necessity  which  is  supposed  to  exist 
for  hymn-books.  I  am  ready  to  allow  there 
are  many  very  excellent  little  works  of  the 
kind  above  named,  but  while  I  have  adopted 
for  my  pupils  such  of  them  as  I  have  judged 
best  suited  to  their  several  ages,  and  proportion- 
ate advancement,  I  have  felt  that  I  was  promot- 
ing less  real  and  permanent  good,  than  when 
appointing  hymns  for  their  weekly  exercise  ; 
for  while  the  former  lessons  have  been  nearly  or 
quite  forgotten,  (although  in  the  first  instance 


8  PREFACE. 

well  learned),  the  latter  have  been  retained, 
and  given  promise  of  effecting  a  good,  that 
should  endure.  There  is  a  charm  attached  to 
poetry,  which  fastens  itself  on  the  memory,  and 
impresses  the  heart ;  a  charm  which  can  seldom 
be  found  in  prosaic  compositions. 

I  have  thought  the  application  of  scriptural 
texts  to  each  hymn  might  be  useful,  inasmuch 
as  they  \^ouId  be  impressed  on  the  memory  by 
the  powerful  aid  of  association,  and  the  mind 
further  excited  to  seek  after  a  more  extensive 
acquaintance  with  that  sacred  volume,  which  is 
our  only  sure  guide  to  a  future  and  immortal 
life  of  perfect  blessedness. 

As  it  has  been  my  object  to  render  religion 
inviting,  and  cause  its  truths  to  be  more  deeply 
felt,  I  have  inserted  several  pieces  which,  strictly 
speaking,  cannot  be  classed  as  hymns,  but 
which  I  consider  valuable  for  the  deep  moral 
sentiments  they  convey. 

-  Lastly,  in  collecting  the  materials  of  which 
this  little  work  is  composed,  I  have  studied  to 
avoid  everything  that  might  render  it  objec- 
tionable to  any  one  sect  of  christians  ;  re- 
membering, that  "  we  all  are  one  family,  of 
whom  Christ  is  head." 

Boston,  Feb.  23,  1825. 


^  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

1. 

'All  thy  works  praise  thee.' 

God  is  good  !  each  perfumed  flower, 

The  smiling  fields,  the  dark  green  wood, 

The  insect,  fluttering  for  an  hour, 

All  things  proclaim  that  God  is  good. 

I  hear  it  in  the  rushing  wind  ; 

The  hills  that  have  for  ages  stood. 
And  clouds  with  golden  colours  lined, 

Are  all  repeating,  God  is  good. 

Each  little  rill,  that  many  a  year 

Has  the  same  verdant  path  pursued, 

And  every  bird,  in  accents  clear. 

Joins  in  the  song,  that  God  is  good. 

And  countless  are  the  blazing  stars, 

That  sing  his  praise  with  light  renewed ; 

The  rising  sun  each  day  declares, 
In  rays  of  glory,  God  is  good. 

The  moon,  that  walks  in  brightness,  says, 
That  God  is  good  !     and  we,  endued 

With  power  to  speak  our  Maker's  praise,   * 
Will  still  repeat  that  God  is  good. 


10  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

2. 

'  The  Lord  is  my  shepherd,  I  shall  not  want." 

Almighty  God  !  by  thy  great  power, 

I  hail  again  the  morning  hour.; 

How  fair  the  green  fields  meet  my  eyes  ! 

How  sweet  the  birds  sing  in  the  skies  ! 

How  fresh  appear  the  hills  and  trees  ! 

And  O,  how  pure  the  morning  breeze  ! 

I  bless  thy  love  in  all  I  see, 

^or  were  not  these  things  made  for  me  ? 

And  was  it  not  to  meet  my  sight 

Was  hung  aloft  that  globe  of  light  ? 

Nor  mine  alone — for  thou  hast  given 

Thy  good  to  all  beneath  the  heaven  ; 

And  I  rejoice  that  others  share 

The  gift,  the  blessing,  and  the  prayer. 

And,  though  a  little  child  I  be, 

I  yet  may  bend  myself  to  thee, 

And  join  my  infant  voice  to  raise 

A  simple  hymn  of  grateful  praise. 

o 

'  Thou  art  my  God,  early  will  I  seek  thy  favour. 

My  God  !   I  thank  thee  that  the  night 
In  peace  and  rest  hath  passed  away  ; 

And  that  I  see,  in  this  fair  light. 

My  Father's  smile,  that  makes  it  day. 

Be  thou  my  Guide  !  and  let  me  live 
As  under  thine  all-seeing  eye  ; 

Supply  my  wants,  my  sins  forgive, 
And  make  me  happy  when  I  die. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  1  1 

4. 

•  Time  and  seasons  are  in  thy  hands  ;  O  Lord,  I  will 
praise  thee  ;  I  will  give  thanks  unto  thy  name.' 

Another  day  its  course  has  run, 

And  still,  O  God  !  thy  child  is  blest ; 

For  thou  hast  been  by  day  my  sunj 
And  thou  wilt  be  by  night  my  rest. 

Sweet  sleep  descend,  my  eyes  to  close  ; 

And  now,  while  all  the  world  is  still, 
I  give  my  body  to  repose, 

My  spirit  to  my  Father's  will.  U, 


<  All  seasons  are  in  thy  hands,  spring  time  and  har- 
vest, heat  and  cold,  summer  and  winter.' 

All  Nature  shows  in  various  ways 

Her  great  Creator's  praise  ; 
The  young  birds  sing,  while  on  the  wing, 

In  soft  and  pleasing  lays. 

The  trees  look  gay,  and  seem  to  say, 

There  is  a  God  above  ; 
The  sun's  bright  beams,  the  liquid  streams. 

Say  we  are  ruled  by  love. 

The  bleating  flocks,  with  happy  looks, 

Say  God  deigns  us  to  feed  ; 
Without  his  power,  there's  not  an  hour, 

But  we  should  comforts  need. 

And  if  the  herds,  and  trees,  and  birds,      » 

All  join  to  praise  God's  name, 
It  must  not  be,  that  such  as  we, 

Neglect  to  do  the  same. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN, 


I 


6. 

'  Father,  thy  will  be  done.' 

To  be  resigned  when  ills  betide, 
Patient  when  favours  are  denied, 

And  pleased  with  favours  given, — 
Is  sure  a  wise  and  virtuous  part  ; 
It  is  the  incense  of  the  heart, 

Whose  fragrance  reaches  heaven. 

And  conscience,  like  a  faithful  friend, 
Will  through  this  earthly  vale  attend. 

And  cheer  my  dying  breath  ; 
Will,  when  all  other  comforts  cease^ 
Like  a  kind  angel,  whisper  peace, 

And  smooth  my  bed  of  death. 


'  Therefore  all  thing^s  whatsoever  ye  would  that  men 
should  <lo  to  you,do  ye  even  so  lo  them. — The  wick- 
ed borroweth  and  payeth  not  ag°ain  ;  but  the 
righteous  showeth  mercy  and  giveth. — Take  heed 
and  beware  of  covetousness  ;  for  life  consisteth 
not  in  the  abundance  of  things  possessed.' 

O  heavenly  Father,  gracious  Friend, 
On  whom   for  favour  I  depend. 
Teach  me  to  keep  my  conduct  free 
From  falsehood  and  dishonesty. 

'Tis  not  enough  that  I  abstain 

From  crimes  which  worldly  laws  restrain, 

From.injuring  another's  good, 

From  deeds  of  rapine,  spoil  and  blood : 


HYMNS  FOR   CHILDREN.  13 

No,  let  me  learn  that  higher  part, 
To  keep  temptation  from  my  heart ; 
And  never  break  thy  laws  divine 
By  coveting  what  is  not  mine. 

And  let  me  scorn,  with  just  disdain, 
To  say  the  thing  I  do  not  mean  ; 
For  they  who  do  not  falsehood  dread, 
Will  soon  to  fraud  and  theft  be  led. 

8. 

Thou  shall  not  steal. — Thou  shalt  not  defraud  thy 
neig-hbonr. — Ye  shall  not  steal,  neither  deal  falsely, 

neither  lie  one  to  another. —  A.  false  witness  shall  not 
go  unpunished,  and  he  that  speaketh  lies  shall  not 
escape. — The  lip  of  truth  ohall  be  established  for- 
ever.' 

Thou  shalt  not  steal  thy  neighbour's  right, 
Nor  covet  what  is  not  thine  own  ; 

The  pilfering  thief,  that  shuns  the  light, 
Is  ever  by  his  deeds  made  known. 

O  Lord,  thy  gracious  fear  impart, 
Restrain  us  from  unrighteous  ways  ; 

Let  grace  and  truth  possess  each  heart, 
And  mercy  crown  o^r  earthly  days. 

9. 

'  And  the  fruits  of  righteousness  shall  be  peace.^ 

Sweet  is  the  voice  of  well-earned  praise 

To  every  virtuous  ear  ; 
The  inspiring  meed  of  youthful  da3's 

To  all  our  bosoms  dear. 


14  HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN. 

As  opening  flowers  to  summer  skies 
Their  blooming  fragrance  bring,- 

Warmed  by  the  approval  of  the  wise. 
Our  fairest  virtues  spring. 


10. 

<  Go  to  the  Ant consider  her  ways,  and  be  wise. 

What  pleasure  can  the  idle  feel, 

As  through  the  tedious  day  they  steal. 

Weary,  though  unemployed  ; 
No  regular  pursuit  is  theirs, 
Their  very  wishes  turn  to  cares, 

And  with  success  they're  cloyed. 

No  so  the  firm  and  active  mind, 
Whose  will,  with  industry  combined. 

Time's  golden,  value  knows  ; 
Eager  fair  knowledge  to  improve, 
The  hours  on  wings  of  pleasure  move, 

While  each,  improvement  shows. 

Yet  when  the  hour  of  study's  o'er, 
With  airy  steps,  and  spirits  pure. 

They  join  in  youthful  play  ; 
No  sameness  in  their  sports  appear, 
Ease  and  content  are  ever  near, 

And  pleasure  takes  her  sway. 

The  idle  view,  in  mute  surprise. 
The  cheerful  group  with  envious  eyes. 
For  they  have  pleasures  none  : 


HYMNS    FOR    CHILDREN.  1^ 

Ah,  they  will  think  how  they  have  spent 
Their  time,  on  no  good  purpose  bent, 
And  feel  the  fault  their  own. 

O  think  they,  that  the  active  bee 
Completes  her  work  of  industry, 

From  one  fair  flower's  bloom  ; 
Or  can  they  hope  content  to  share, 
And  for  the  future  take  no  care, 

While  days  and  years  consume  ? 

11. 

*  Ask  now  of  the  past,  and  it  shall  tell  thee.' 

IIow  pleasant  it  is,  at  the  close  of  the  day, 

No  follies  to  mourn  or  lament  ; 
But  to  think  of  the  past,  and  be  able  to  say. 

That  our  time  has  been  properly  spent. 

When  we've  finished  our  lessons  with  patience 
and  care, 

And  been  studious,  obliging,  and  kind, 
We  lay  on  our  pillows,  and  quietly  there. 

Sleep  with  happy  and  peaceable  minds. 

12. 

'  I  went  by  the  fifld  of  the  slothful,  and  lo,  it  was  all 
grown  over  with  thorns;  and  nettles  had  covpred 
the  face  thereof,  and  the  stone  wall  thereof  was 
broken  down.  Then  I  saw  and  considered  it  well, 
I  looked  upon  it,  and  received  instruction.' 

Wake,  wake  !  see  the  dawn,  it  is  time  to  arise  ; 
Come,  shake  drowsy  sleep  from  your  eye  ; 


'i6  HY3INS    FOR    CHILDREN. 

The  birds  are  loud  warbling  their  notes  in  th& 
skies, 
And  the  bright  sun  has  risen  on  high. 

O  come,  for  the  bee  has  flown  out  of  her  cell, 
And  the  ant  her  employment  renews  ; 

She  knows  the  true  value  of  moments  too  well, 
Aught  by  indolence  ever  to  lose. 

13. 

*  When  ye  glorify  the  Lord,  exalt  him  as  much  as  ye 
can  ;  for  who  hath  seen  him,  and  who  can  mag- 
nify him  as  he  is  ;  there  are  hid  yet  greater  things 
than  we  have  seen  ;   0  glorify  the  Lord.' 

What  can  I,  my  Maker,  do, 
To  repay  the  debt  I  owe  ? 
Earthly  years  are  all  too  (ew, 
Earthly  treasures  all  too  low  ! 

Shall  I  labour  for  the  poor, 
For  the  souls  in  error  lost  : 
They  who  poverty  endure, 
Long  by  pain  and  sorrow  tost  ? 

Shall  I  this,  my  Maker,  do, 
To  repay  the  debt  I  owe  ? 
O  these  deeds  are  far  too  few, 
O  these  gifts  are  all  too  low  ! 

Shall  each  talent  thou  hast  given 
Wholly  consecrated  be. 
And  like  incense,  rise  to  heaven, 
Offered  gratefully  to  thee  ? 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  1 

Vain,  to  pay  this  debt  \  owe, 
All  the  service  I  can  do  ! 
Earthly  deeds  are  far  too  low, 
Earthly  years  are  all  too  few  ! 

Faint  is  all  the  praise  I  breathe, 
Here  thy  mercy  to  repay  ; 
But  I  pray  thee  to  receive 
All  a  little  child  can  say. 

14. 

'  The  seventh  day  is  a  sabbath  of  rest.' 

Sabbath-day  of  peace  and  joy, 

Thc/u  art  ever  rest  to  me  ; 
And  no  anxious  thoughts  destroy 

Th©  holy  calm  I  find  in  thee. 

E'en  though  sorrows  sting  ray  breast, 
E'en  though  cares  may  cloud  my  brow  ; 

Sabbath  hours  are  hours  of  rest, 
Troubled  thoughts  disturb  not  now. 

15. 

Ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  believe  in  hira,  and  your  re- 
ward shall  not  fail.' 

Another  night  has  passed  away. 
And  morning  lights  the  eastern  skies  ; 

O  may  I  grateful  hail  the  day, 
And  joyful  to  my  duties  rise. 

Father  in  Heaven,  be  thou  my  guide. 
Be  thou  my  guard,  my  friend,  my  all ; 

And  still  o'er  my  young  heart  preside. 
That  I  from  virtue  ne'er  may  fall. 


18  HYMNS    FOR    CHILDREN. 

16. 

'  Time  passeth,  and  continueth  not. 

Another  fleeting  day  is  gone  ; 
Slow  o'er  the  west  the  shadows  rise  ; 

Swiftly  the  passing  hours. have  flown, 
And  night's  dark  curtains  veil  the  skies. 

Another  fleeting  day  is  gone, 
Swept  from  the  records  of  the  year  ; 

And  still,  with  each  successive  sun, 
Life's  fading  visions  disappear. 

Another  fleeting  day  is  gone. 

But  soon  a  fairer  day  shall  rise, — 

A  da}',  whose  never-setting  sun 

Shall  pour  its  light  o'er  cloudless  skies. 

Another  fleeting  day  is  gone  ; 
In  solemn  silence  rest  my  soul ! 

Bow  down  thy  heart  before  his  throne, 
Who  bids  the  morn  and  evening  roll. 

17. 

*  The  ants  are  a  people  not  strong,  yet  they  preparer 
their  meat  in  the  summer.  Go  to  the  ant,  con- 
sider her  ways  and  be  wise,  which  having  no  guide, 
overseer,  or  ruler,  providcth  her  meat  in  summer, 
and  gathereth  her  food  in  the  harvest.' 

These  emmets  how  little  they  are  in  our  eyes  ! 
We  tread  them  in  dust,  and  a  multitude  dies, 

Without  our  regard  or  concern  : 
Yet  as  wise  as  we  are,  if  we  went  to  their  school. 
There's  many  a  sluggard,  and  many  a  fool, 

Some  lessons  of  wisdom  might  learn. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREX.  15^ 

They  waste  not  their  time  in  sleeping  and  play. 
But  gather  up  corn  on  a  sunshiny  day, 

And  for  winter  they  lay  up  their  stores  : 
They  manage  their  works  in  such  regular  forms, 
One  would  think  they  foresaw  all  the  frosts  and 
tlie  storms. 

And  so  brought  their  food  within  doors. 

But  I  have  less  sense  than  a  poor  creeping  ant. 
If  I  take  not  due  care  for  the  things  I  shall  want. 

Nor  guard  against  dangers  in  time  : 
When  death  or  old  age  shall  greet  me  apace. 
What  a  wretch  shall  I  be,  in  the  end  of  my  days. 

If  r  trifle  away  all  my  prime  ! 

18. 

*  ^  I  will  now  remember  the  works  of  the  Lord  ;  one 
thing  establisheth  the  good  of  another,  and  who 
shall  be  filled  with  beholding  his  glory  ?' 

There  is  a  tongue  in  every  leaf, 

A  voice  in  every  rill  ! 
A  voice  that  speaketh  every  where, 
In  flood  and  fire,  through  earth  and  air  ; 

A  tongue  that's  never  still ! 

'Tis  God's  own  spirit,  wide  diffused 

Through  every  thing  we  see. 
That  with  our  spirits  communeth. 
Of  things  mysterious — Life  and  Death, 

Time  and  Eternity 

I  see  him  in  the  blazing  sun, 
And  in  the  thunder  cloud  ; 


20  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN, 

I  hear  him  in  the  mighty  roar 
That  rusheth  on  the  ocean  shore. 
When  winds  are  raging  loud. 

I  see  him,  hear  him,  every  where, 

In  all  things,  darkness,  light, 
Silence,  and  sound  ;  but,  most  of  all, 
When  slumber's  dusky  curtains  fall, 

At  the  sweet  hour  of  night. 

I  feel  him  in  the  silent  dews. 

By  grateful  earth  betrayed  ; 
I  feel  him  in  the  gentle  showers. 
The  soft  south  wind,  the  breath  of  flowers, 

The  sunshine  and  the  shade. 

O,  I  will  wake  and  quickly  join 

Creation's  rapturous  lays. 
Rejoice  in  all  that's  good  and  fair, 
His  favours  prize,  his  bounties  share, 

And  live  and  speak  his  praise. 

19. 

*  The  Lord  is  good  unto  them   v^'ho   wait  for  him,  to 
the  soul  that  seeketh  him.' 

Father,  beneath  whose  watchful  eye, 
Revolving  years  and  ages  lie  ; 
Teach  us  thy  boon  of  life  to  prize. 
And  grow  discreet,  and  good,  and  wise. 

With  willing  hearts,  and  active  hands, 
We  here  would  practise  thy  commands  ; 
Improve  the  moments  as  the}'  fly, 
And  live  as  we  would  wish  to  die. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  21 

20. 

Receive  instruction  and  not  silver  ;  and  knowledge 
rather  than  choice  gold. — I,  Wisdom,  dwell  with 
Prudence  ;  those  that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me. 
Riches  and  honour  are  with  me,  yea,  durable  riches 
and  righteousness.' 

O,  happy  is  the  child  that  hears 

Instruction's  faithful  voice  ; 
And  who  celestial  wisdom  makes 

His  early,  only  choice. 

Her  riches  are  of  more  esteem 

Than  east  or  west  unfold  ; 
And  her  rewards  more  precious  are 

Than  all  their  mines  of  gold. 

She  guides  the  young  with  innocence 

In  pleasure's  paths  to  tread  ; 
A  crown  of  glory  she  bestows 

Upon  the  hoary  head. 

According  as  her  labours  rise, 

So  her  rewards  increase  ; 
Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness, 

And  all  her  paths  are  peace. 

21. 

*  Jesus  Christ  is  the  same  yesterday,  today,  and  for- 
ever ;  by  hira  therefore  let  us  offer  the  sacrifice  of 
praise  to  God  continually.' 

Awake,  my  heart,  and  sing  the  praise 
Of  God,  the  guardian  of  my  days  ; 
The  Lord  of  worlds,  the  Source  of  good^ 
Who  gave  me  life,  and  sends  me  food. 


«* 


22  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

When  darkness  veiled  the  earth  in  shade, 
Father,  on  thee  my  trust  was  laid  ; 
I  slept,  and  thy  paternal  arm 
Preserved  me  safe  from  death  and  harm.  , 

A  sacrifice  to  thee  belongs  ; 
For  incense,  lo,  my  prayers  and  songs  ; 
Thou  know'st  if  they  sincerely  spring. 
No  better  gifts  have  I  to  bring. 

Forgive  my  sins,  my  actions  bless  ; 
Inspire  my  heart  with  holiness  ; 
And  be  it  still  thy  dwelling  place, 
Till  I  shall  see  thee  face  to  face. 


22. 

It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  consum- 
ed ;  because  his  compassion  fads  not  ;  they  are 
new  every  morning  ;  great  is  thy  faithfulness. — 
The  Lord  will  not  cast  off  forever.' 

Once  more,  my  soul,  the  rising  day 

Salutes  thy  waking  eyes  ; 
Once  more,  my  voice,  thy  tribute  pay 

To  God  who  rules  the  skies. 

This  day  thy  favouring  hand  be  nigh, 

So  oft  vouchsafed  before  ; 
Still  may  it  lead,  protect,  supply, 

And  I  that  hand  adore. 

If  bliss  thy  providence  impart, 

For  which,  resigned,  I  pray. 
Give  me  to  feel  a  grateful  heart, 

And  without  guilt  be  gay. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  23 

Affliction  should  thy  love  intend, 

As  vice  or  folly's  cure, 
Patient,  to  gain  that  blessed  end, 

May  I  the  means  endure. 

Be  this,  and  every  future  day. 

Still  wiser  than  the  past  ; 
That  from  the  whole  of  life's  survey, 

I  may  find  peace  at  iast. 


23. 

•  Let  us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  unto  the 
Lord.' 

Awake,  my  soul,  and  with  the  sun. 
Thy  daily  course  of  duty  run  ; 
Shake  off  dull  sloth,  and  joyful  rise 
To  pay  thy  morning  sacrifice. 

Lord  !  I  my  prayers  to  thee  renew  ; 
Scriiter  my  sins  like  morning  dew  ; 
Guard  my  first  springs  of  thought  and  will. 
And  with  thyself  my  spirit  fill. 

With  gratefel  heart  the  past  I  own  ; 
The  future,  all  to  me  unknown, 
I  to  thy  guardian  care  commit, 
And,  trusting,  bow  me  at  thy  feet. 

V\\  praise  thee  then,  who  safe  hast  kept, 
And  hast  refreshed  me  while  I  slept  ; 
Grant,  Lord  !  when  I  from  death  shall  wake, 
I  may  of  endless  life  partake. 


24  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREiV. 


24. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name  ;  thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  will  be  done  oa 
earth  as  it  is  done  in  heaven  ;  give  us  this  day 
our  daily  bread  ;  forgive  us  onr  trespasses  as  we 
forgive  those  who  trespass  against  us  ;  lead  us 
not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil  ;  for 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  the  power,  and  the  glory, 
forever  and  ever.     Amen. 


Our  Father  God  !  who  dwell'st  in  Heaven, 
To  thy  blest  name  be  reverence  given ; 
And  let  thy  peaceful  kingdom  come, 
Thy  rightful  sovereign  will  be  done 
Within  this  lower  earth,  as  well 
As  in  high  heaven,  where  angels  dwell. 

Thou,  Lord  !  who  dost  all  creatures  feed;^ 
Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  ; 
And  from  thy  full  exhaustless  store, 
Thy  bounteous  blessings  on  us  pour  ; 
So,  while  thy  favours  we  enjoy. 
May  gratitude  our  hearts  employ. 

Frail,  erring  children.  Lord,  are  we. 
From  duty  prone  to  stray,  and  thee ; 
Our  devious  wanderings  here  retrieve. 
Our  numerous  trespasses  forgive  ; 
Instruct  us  to  forgive  our  foes, 
And  pardon  us  as  we  do  those. 

Who  of  himself  can  stand  secufe. 
When  thousand  specious  wiles  allure  ? 
Save  us  from  each  seductive  snare ; 
Nor  tempt  us  more  than  we  can  bear  ; 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  25 

From  every  evil  still  may  we 
Deliverance  find,  and  help  from  thee. 

Kingdom,  and  power,  and  glory.  Lord  ! 
All  beings  to  thy  name  afford  : — 
Thine  shall  the  power  and  glory  be, 
Through  time  and  long  eternity  ; 
Let  earth  and   heaven  repeat  again. 
All  glory  be  to  God  !  Amen. 

25. 

Exercise  thyself  always  to  bear  a  good  conscience 
toward  God,  and  toward  man.' 

The  wind  blows  down  the  largest  tree, 

And  yet  the  wind  I  cannot  see. 

Playmates  far  off.  that  have  been  kind, 

My  thoughts  oft  bring  before  my  mind  ; 

The  past-by  thought  is  present  brought, 

And  yet  I  cannot  see  my  thought. 

The  charming  rose  perfumes  the  air, 

Yet  I  can  see  no  perfumes  there. 

The  gay  bird's  notes — how  sweet,  how  clear ! 

As  soft  they  fall  upon  my  ear  ; 

And  whilst  upon  the  air  they  float, 

I  hear,  yet  cannot  see,  a  note. 

When  I  would  do  what  is  forbid. 

By  something  in  my  heart  Fm  chid  ; 

When  good,  that  something  praises  me. 

And  I  from  every  fear  am  free. 

That  voice  is  Conscience,  whose  alarms 

Will  save  me  from  a  thousand  harms, 

Let  me  her  gentle  guidance  trust, 

And  die  reposiog  with  the  just. 


^6  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

26. 

'•  In  whatsoever  state  I  am,  may  I    there>*ith  be   con- 
tent.' 

O  !  thou  who  rul'st  the  realms  on  high. 

With  humble  love  and  fear, 
To  thee  I  raise  a  suppliant  eye, 

And  wilt  thou  deign  to  hear. 

Grateful  for  every  joy  I  taste, 

As  by  thy  goodness  sent, 
In  whatsoever  state  Fm  placed, 

O  !  may  I  be  content. 

Should  prosperous  scenes  around  me  smile. 

Still  humble  may  I  be  ; 
Nor  let  earth's  joys  my  heart  beguile, 

Or  draw  my  thoughts  from  thee. 

Or  should  affliction  bend  me  low. 

Wilt  thou  support  me  still  ; 
And  let  each  thought,  each  feeling  bow 

Submissive  to  thy  will. 


27. 

Boast  not  thyself  of  clothin«f  and  raiment,  nor  ex- 
alt thyself.' 

Guard  me  from  pride,  from  vain  desire, 

From  ev'ry  worldly  snare  ; 
O  !  bid  my  soul  to   Heaven  aspire, 

And  seek  its  pleasures  there. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Let  gen'rous  thoughts  my  mind  employ, 

And  bid  my  bosom  glow  ; 
Alive  to  $hare  another's  joy, 

And  feel  another's  woe. 

Let  truth  o'er  all  my  words  preside. 

And  make  my  soul  sincere  ; 
Candid  another's  fault  to  hide, 

But  to  my  own  severe. 


28. 

'  One  is  our  Father,  even  God. — He  is  our  Father  in 
heaven.' 

Art  thou  my  Father  ? — then  no  more 
My  sins  shall  tempt  me  to  despair  ; 

My  father  pities,  and  forgives, 

And  hears  a  child's  repentant  prayer. 

Art  thou  my  Father  ? — then  I'll  strive. 
With  all  my  powers  to  learn  thy  will ; 

To  make  thy  service  all  my  care, 
And  all  thy  wise  commands  fulfil. 

Art  thou  my  Father  .^ — teach  my  heart 

Compassion  for  another's  woe, 
And  ever  on  each  child  of  thine 

A  brother's  tenderness  bestow. 

Art  thou  my  Father? — then  I  know 

When  pain,  or  want,  or  griefs  oppress ; 

They  come  but  from  a  Father's  hand. 
Who  wounds  to  heal,  afdicts  to  bless. 


IS  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Art  thou  my  Father  ? — then  in  doubt 
And  darkness,  when  I  grope  or  stra\ 

A  light  shall  shine  upon  my  path, 

And  change  that  darkness  into  day. 

Art  thou  my  Father  ? — then  no  more 
Tremble  my  soul  at  death's  alarms  ; 

He  comes  a  messenger  of  Love, 
To  bear  me  to  a  Father's  arms. 


29. 

-  And  they  took  Jesijs,  and  led  him  away  to  be  cru 
cified. — And  he  prayed  saying^,  Father,  forgivp 
them,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do.' 

With  warm  affection  let  us  view, 

With  pious  hearts  improve. 
The  solemn  and  impressive  scene 

Of  Jesus'  dying  love. 

Pardon  and  peace  to  sinful  men 

By  him  were  freely  given  ; 
And  strengthening  aid  to  all  who  sought 

To  raise  their  souls  to  heaven. 

O  what  a  love  was  there  display 'd, 

Beyond  our  utmost  thought  ! 
How  pure  the  lessons,  how  sublime. 

In  life  and  death  he  taught  ! 

Let  not  his  sacred  truths  by  us 

Be  lost  or  misapplied  ; 
Nor  let  our  thoughtless  hearts  forget 

That  'twas  for  Ui  he  died. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  28 

30. 

'  Know  ye  indeed  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save 
sinners.' 

We  sing  thy  mercy,  God  of  love, 

Which  sent  the  Saviour  from  above, 

To  free  our  race  from  sin  and  woe, 

And  spread  thy  peace  and  truth  below. 

We  thank  thee  for  the  words  he  brought, 
Wc  thank  thee  that  he  lived  and  taught 

Our  frail  imperfect  souls  to  be. 

In  humble  mode,  resembling  thee. 

We  thank  thee  for  thy  gracious  care. 
That  kept  those  sacred  pages  fair 

Through  every  age,  whose  lines  record 
The  deeds  and  precepts  of  our  Lord. 

31. 

'  God  is  Father  over  all,  blessed  forevermore.' 

Great  God,  and  wilt  thou  condescend 
To  be  my  father  and  my  friend  ? — 

I  a  young  child,  and  thou  so  high. 

The  Lord  of  earth,  and  air,  and  sky  ! 

Art  thou  my  Father  ? — Let  me  be 

A  meek  obedient  child  to  thee  ; 
And  try  in  every  deed  and  thought, 

To  serve  and  please  thee  as  I  ought. 

Art  thou  my  Father? — I'll  depend 
Upon  the  care  of  such  a  friend  ; 
c2 


30  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

And  only  wish  to  do,  and  be, 

Whatever  seemeth  good  to  thee. 

Art  thou  my  Father  ? — then  at  last, 
When  all  my  days  on  earth  are  past 

Send  down  and  take  me  in  thy  love 
To  be  thy  better  child  above. 


32. 

^  Whereas  ye  know  not  what  will  be  on  the  morrow  ;. 

for  what  is  your  life  ? To  him  that  knoweth  t© 

do  good,  and  doeth  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin.' 

Say,  what  is  life  ?     'Tis  like  a  flower^ 

That  blossoms, — then  is  gone, 
We  see  it  flourish  for  an  hour 

With  every  beauty  crowned  ; 
Death  passes  like  a  wintry  day, 
And  cuts  the  lovely  flower  away. 

And  what  is  life  ?     Like  yonder  bow 

That  spans  the  glittering  arch  on  high  ,* 

We  love  to  see  its  colours  glow ; 

But  while  we  gaze  they  fade  and  die ; 

Life  fades  as  soon— to-day  'tis  here, 

The  morrow  sees  it  disappear. 

And  is  this  life  ?     Oh  spend  it  here, 

In  duty,  praise,  and  prayer  ; 
Then  whether  long  or  short  it  be 

We  yield  us  to  God's  care  : 
Knowing  eternity  will  last. 
When  life,  and  even  death,  are  past. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  81 

33. 

*  Let  not  your  hearts  be  troubled,  ye  believe  in  God. 
— '  In  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions.' 

The  summer  winds  sing  lullaby 

O'er  Martha's  little  grave, 
And  the  summer  flowers  spring  tenderly 

O'er  her  their  buds  to  wave. 
For  oh,  her  life  was  short  and  sweet 
As  the  flowers  which  blossom  at  her  feet. 

A  little  while  the  beauteous  gem 

Bloom'd  on  its  parent's  breast ; 
Ah  !  then  it  wither'd  on  its  stem, 

And  sought  a  deeper  rest ; 
And  we  laid  on  her  gentle  frame  the  sod. 
But  we  knew  that  her  spirit  was  fled  to  God. 

The  birds  she  loved  so  well  to  hear 

Her  parting  requiem  sing  ; 
And  her  memory  lives  in  the  silent  tear, 

Which  the  heart  to  the  eye  will  bring ; 
For  her  kind  little  feelings  will  ne'er  be  forgot 
By  those  who  have  mourned  her  early  lot. 


34. 

'  Honour  thy  father  and  mother,   both  in   word  and 
deed  ;  so  shall  a  blessing  come  upon  thee.' 

O  Thou  !  to  whom  the  grateful  song 

Of  prayer  and  praise  is  due, 
Thee  I  entreat  forgive  my  wrong 

And  grant  thy  blessing  too. 


32  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

On  those  who  ever  kindly  strive 

Thy  precepts  to  instil ; 
Who  constant  teach  me  how  to  live 

And  do  thy  holy  will  ! 

On  such,  O  Lord  !  thy  mercies  shed, 
Who  in  this  world  of  wo, 

Like  fountains  with  fresh  v/ater  fed, 
Bear  blessings  as  they  flow. 

And  may  I  planted  by  such  streams, 
Like  flowers  that  love  to  lave 

Their  bending  branches  in  the  beams 
Which  warm  their  parent  wave ; 

May  I  thus  blest,  still  humbly  bow 
To  Thee,  the  source  of  love  ! 

And  drawing  nurture  from  below, 
Breathe  brightness  from  above. 

Then  shall  I  while  on  earth  1  live, 

To  them  a  comfort  be ; 
And  wither,  but  through  death  to  live 

An  endless  life  with  Thee ! 


35. 

Keep  thy  feet  when  thou  goest  to  the  house  of  God, 
and  be  more  ready  to  hear,  than  to  give  the  sa- 
crifice of  fools.' 

WeVe  passed  a  pleasant  Sabbath  day 
And  learnt  of  Jesus  and  of  Heaven; 

Oh,  Lord  we  thank  thee  !  and  we  pray 
That  all  our  sins  may  be  forgiven. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHltDREJf.  33 

May  all  we've  heard  and  understood 

Be  well  remembered  through  the  week. 

And  may  we  be  both  wise  and  good, 
Modest  and  diligent  and  meek. 

And  when  our  lives  are  ended  here, 
And  days  and  Sabbaths  all  are  o'er. 

May  we  in  Heaven  near  thee  appear, 
And  love  and  serve  thee  evermore, 


36. 

Remember  the  Sabbath-dny,  to  keep  it  holy  ;  six 
days  shah  thou  labour  and  do  all  thy  work,  but 
the  seventh   is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  Godv' 

Oh !  I  will  wake,  and  quickly  rise, 
Upon  this  blessed  Sabbath  morn. 
And  first  rejoice  that  I  have  lived 
Again  to  see  its  welcome  dawn. 

And  now  I  think  how  kind  and  good 
The  God  of  Heaven  is  to  man  ; 
To  give  him  one  day's  rest  in  seven 
Throughout  this  little  busy  span. 

One  day  to  lay  aside  all  work 
And  all  its  many  tedious  cares  ; 
And  think  upon  our  heavenly  home 
Beyond  the  sky  and  shining  stars. 

This  day  ten  thousand  fervent  praj^ers — 
And  thousand  songs  of  grateful  praise  ; 
At  once  arise  from  humble  hearts. 
And  meet  at  God's  high  throne  of  grace. 


i'^. 


34  "hymns  for  children. 

With  cheerful  heart  and  willing  feet 
I'll   seek  the  place  of  his  abode  ; 
And  lay  aside  all  earthly  cares, 
To  join  the  worshippers  of  God. 

37. 

'  Remember  thy  end,  and  give  thy  heart  to  the   fear 
of  the  Lord.' 

The  morning  hours  of  cheerful  light, 

Of  all  the  day  are  best ; 
And  as  they  wing  their  rapid  flight, 
If  ev'ry  hour  be  spent  aright, 
We  calmly  sink  to  sleep  at  night, 

And  quiet  is  our  rest. 

Our  lives  are  like  the  summer's  day 

And  are  as  qnirkly  past ; 
Youth  is  the  morning  bright  and  gay, 
And  if  well  spent  in  wisdom's  way, 
We  meet  old  age  without  dismay, 

And  death  is  sweet  at  last. 

3S. 

'Thy  statutes,  0  Lord,  shall  be  my  delight.' 

With  firm  resolve,  and  equal  mind. 
May  we  to  virtue  be  inclin'd  ; 
The  course  of  holiness  pursue. 
And  keep  the  heavenly  world  in  view  ! 

Amidst  the  assailing  ills  of  life, 
Temptation's  plea  and  passion's  strife, 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  35 

May  we  our  conscience  still  revere, — 
Determine  well,  and  persevere. 

Sweet  peace  our  hearts  will  then  enjoy, 
A  peace  the  world  can  ne'er  destroy  ! 
God  our  fidelity  will  seal, 
And  the  sure  path  to  heaven  reveal. 

39. 

Bless  the  Lord,  who  crowneth  thy  life  with  tender 
mercies.' 

For  life  with  all  its  varied  joy, 

To  God  we  render  praise  ; 
His  service  is  our  best  employ, 

Whose  wisdom  guides  our  ways. 

In  friends  and  parents  we  rejoice. 

And  their  instructions  given  ; 
Be  ours  like  theirs  a  virtuous  choice. 

And  bliss  with  them  in  heaven  ! 


40. 

'  In  thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust.' 

Guide  of  our  youth,  to  thee  we  pray  ; 
Help  us  to  tread  thy  holy  way  ; 
And  may  our  whole  of  life  be  past, 
As  we  should  wish  it  had  at  last. 

Oh  smile  on  those  whose  time  and  care. 
Are  spent  in  our  instruction  here ; 
And  let  our  conduct  ever  prove, 
Our  gratitude  for  all  their  love ! 


36  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Through  life  may  we  perform  thy  will, 
Our  various  stations  wisely  fill ; 
Then  join  the  friends  we  here  have  known. 
In  nobler  songs  around  thy  throne. 


41. 

Truly  the  light  is  sweet,  and  a  pleasant  thing  it  is 
for  the  eyes  to  behold  the  sun.' 

Now  behold,  the  mid-day  stin 
Sheds  around  a  golden  light, 

And  every  leaf  that  meets  his  ray 
Glitters  gaily  to  the  sight. 

God  is  good  !  he  made  the  sun, 
Blessing  every  thing  that  lives  ; 

God,  who  light,  and  joy,  and  food, 
To  every  living  being  gives. 

Exalted  angels  he  preserves 
In  their  beautiful  abode  ; 

And  the  smallest  thing  on  earth 
Is  within  the  care  of  God. 

He  who  formed  the  seeing  eye, 
He  who  made  the  hearing  ear, — 

Gave  each  beauty  we  behold, 
Each  delightful  sound  we  hear  : — 

If  he  did  not  keep  our  life. 
We  could  neither  think  nor  move  ; 

Every  blessing  we  enjoy 
Is  a  gift  of  tender  love. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  37 

42. 

*  Whoso  loveth  instruction,  loveth  knowledge.' 

Dark  is  the  sky  when  day  retires, 
When  clouds  obscure  ithe  glowing  fires, 

That  glitter  through  the  night ; 
But  darker  is  the  youthful  mind, 
That  never  the  bright  sun  could  find, 

Of  learning's  purer  light. 

How  then  shall  I  my  thanks  express, 

To  those  whose  cares  have  deigned  to  bless 

My  inexperienced  youth : 
To  guard  me  lest  my  steps  should  stray, 
To  point  out  wisdom's  pleasant  way, 

And  teach  the  path  of  truth. 

Now  I'll  entreat  the  God  of  love, 
That  he  his  blessings  from  above, 

Will  shower  upon  them  all ; 
And  more  my  gratitude  to  show, 
Whate'er  they  teach  I'll  strive  to  know, 

And  follow  where  they  call. 

43. 

^  The  bee  is  little  among  such  as  fly  ;  but  her  hooey-  is 
the  chief  of  sweet  thiugs.' 

Child  of  patient  industry, 
Little  active  busy  bee, 
Thou  art  out  at  early  morn, 
Just  as  opening  flowers  are  born, 
Among  the  green  and  grassy  meads 
Where  the  cowslips  hang  their  heads : 


38  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Or  by  hedge  rows  while  the  dew 
Glitters  on  the  hare-bells  blue. 

Then  on  eager  wings  thou'st  flown, 

To  thymy  hillocks  on  the  down  ; 

Or  to  revel  on  the  broom ; 

Or  suck  the  clover's  crimson  bloom  ; 

Tuning  still,  thou  busy  bee, 

Thy  little  ode  to  industry. 

44. 

Hearken,  ye  children,  bless  the  Lord  for  all  his 
works  ;  at  his  comoiandoient  is  done  whatsoever 
pleaseth  hjm.' 

There's  not  a  tint  that  paints  the  rose, 

Or  decks  the  lily  fair. 
Or  streaks  the  humblest  flower  that  gro\vs, 

But  God  has  placed  it  there  ! 

There's  not  of  grass  a  simple  blade, 

Or  leaf  of  lowliest  mien. 
Where  heavenly  skill  is  not  displayed, 

And  heavenly  wisdom  seen  ! 

There's  not  a  star  whose  twinkling  light 

Illumes  the  spreading  earth  ; 
There's  not  a  cloud  or  dark  or  bright, 

But  mercy  gave  it  birth. 

Then  wake  my  soul,  and  sing  his  name, 

And  all  his  praise  rehearse  ; 
Who  spread  abroad  earth's  glorious  frame, 

And  made  the  universe  ! 


HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN.  39 


45. 

The  spirit  of  God  hath  made  me,  and  the  breath  of 
the  Almighty  hath  given  me  life.' 

Father  !  I  would  not  live  in  vain, 

By  earthly  pleasures  cloyed  ; 
Nor  render  back  to  thee  again 

My  talents  unemployed. 

O  God  of  mercy,  make  me  know 
The  gifts  which  thou  hast  given. 

Nor  let  me  idly  spend  them  so, 
But  make  them  fit  for  heaven. 


46. 

I  will  greatly  rejoice  in  theLord,  for  he  hath  clothed 
me  with  the  garments  of  salvation  ;  he  hath  cover- 
ed me  with  a  robe  of  righteousness. — Thou,  Lord, 
crownest  the  year  with  thy  goodness.' 

Evening  hail !  thou  grateful  shade  ! 
Welcome  to  my  weary  head  ! 
Welcome,  slumber  to  my  eyes, 
Tired  with  this  day's  vanities  ! 

By  my  heavenly  Father  blest. 
Now  1  give  my  soul  to  rest ; 
Thou,  ray  ever  bounteous  God, 
Crown'st  my  days  with  various  good  ; 

Thy  kind  eye  that  never  sleeps 
These  defenceless  moments  keeps  ! 
Or  if  death  my  sleep  invade, 
3hould  T  be  of  death  afraid  ? 


40  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREX. 

Whilst,  encircled  by  thine  arm. 
Death  may  strike,  but  cannot  harm. 

With  thy  heavenly  presence  blest, 
Death  is  life,  and  labour  rest. 
Welcome,  sleep  or  death,  to  me, 
Still  secure,  for  still  with  Thee. 

47. 

■  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good  :  his 
mercy  endureth  forever. — To  him  (hat  by  wisdom 
made  the  heaven,  and  stretched  ont  the  earth  ;  to 
him  that  made  great  lights  ;  the  sun  to  rule  by  day, 
the  moon  and  stars  to  rule  by  night.' 

Author  of  life,  of  joj^,  of  health, 

Thy  goodness  I  adore  ! 
O  give  me  strength  to  speak  thy  praise, 

And  grace  to  love  thee  more  ! 

First  for  this  world,  so  fair,  so  good, 

My  daily  thanks  shall  rise  ! 
For  every  fruit  and  every  flower. 

Thy  bounteous  hand  supplies. 

For  the  green  field,  the  waving  corn, 

The  lofty  spreading  tree  ; 
For  that  bright  sun  that  shines  on  all, 

And  borrows  light  from  thee  ; 

For  the  pale  moon's  reflected  beams ; 

For  every  genial  shower  ; 
For  all  which  elevates  the  mind. 

To  contemplate  thy  power. 


HYMNS  rOR  CHILDREN. 


41 


JJ 


48. 

'•  Blessed  is  he  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of  the 
ung^odly. — He  shall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the 
rivers  of  water. — His  leaf,  also,  shall  not  wither,  and 
whatsoever  he  doeth  shall  prosper/ 

See  the  leaves  around  us  falling, 
Dry  and  withered  to  the  ground  ; 

Thus  to  thoughtless  mortals  calling, 
In  a  sad  and  solemn  sound. 

Yearly,  in  their  course  returning, 

Messengers  of  shortest  stay, 
Thus  they  preach  this  truth  concerning 

"  Heaven  and  earth  must  pass  away.' 

On  the  tree  of  life  eternal, 

Then  let  all  our  hopes  be  staid, 
Which  alone  forever  vernal, 

Beais  those  leaves  that  shall  not  fade. 

49. 

While  I  was  yet  young,  or  ever  I  went  abroad,  I  de- 
sired wisdom  openly  in  prayer. — The  Lord  hath 
given  rae  a  tongue — I  will  praise  him  therewith.' 

Almighty  ruler  of  the  skies  ! 

Through  the  wide  earth  thy  name  is  spread  5 
And  thine  eternal  glories  rise 

O'er  all  the  heavens  thy  hands  have  made. 

To  thee,  O  Lord  !  a  song  T  raise, 
To  thee  my  youngest  hours  belong ; 

My  infant  tongue  shall  lisp  thy  praise 
And  future  years  improve  the  song. 

d2 


42  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

50. 

'  Fear  thou  not,  for  I  am  with  thee  :  be  no<  dismayed, 
for  I  am  thy  God.  I  will  strengthen  thee,  yea,  1  will 
help  thee  ;  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  my  right- 
eousness.' 

O  Father  !  spread  thy  guardian  arm 
Around  the  guileless  breast  of  youth, 

With  life's  first  generous  feelings  warm, 
And  stamp  it  with  thy  heavenly  truth. 

And  when  these  trying  scenes  depart,    ' 
Unspotted  may  we  turn  to  Thee, 

And,  innocent  in  life  and  heart. 
Adore  Thee  through  eternity. 

51. 

'  Trust  in  the  living  God,  who  hath  given  us  all  things 
richly  to  enjoy — who  only  hath  immortality,  dwell- 
ing in  the  light  which  no  mortal  can  approach 
unto.' 

There  is  a  world  we  have  not  seen 
That  time  shall  never  dare  destroy  ; 

Where  mortal  footstep  hath  not  been. 
Nor  ear  hath  caught  its  sounds  of  joy. 

There  is  a  world,  and  O  how  blest ! 

Fairer  than  prophets  ever  told  ; 
And  never  did  an  angel  guest 

One  half  its  blessedness  unfold. 

It  is  all  holy  and  serene. 

The  land  of  glory  and  repose  ; 
And  there  to  dim  the  radiant  scene, 

The  tear  of  sorrow  never  flows. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

And  that  fair  world  is  ever  bright, 
With  a  refulgence  all  its  own  ; 

And  streams  of  never  fading  light, 
Flow  round  it  from  the  eternal  throne. 

In  vain  a  feeble  mortal's  eye 

May  seek  to  view  that  fair  abode,^ 

Or  find  it  in  the  curtain'd  sky  : — 
It  is  the  dwelling-place  of  God  ! 


52. 

Before  honour  is  humility.     By  humility  and  the  fear 
of  the  Lord  are  riches  aud  long  life.' 

Humbly  walk,  and  heaven  will  love  thee, 
Heaven  will  hear  thy  every  prayer  ; 

Then  the  Saviour  will  approve  thee, 
Angels  shield  thee  from  despair. 

Many  virtues  here  must  grace  thee, 

But  in  meekness  still  delight : 
Pride  alone  will  quite  deface  thee. 

And  will  shroud  them  all  from  sight. 

Why  should  feeble  mortcJs  glory  ? 

Long  their  life  can  never  last  : 
Soon  the  head  of  youth  is  hoary. 

Then  its  pleasures  here  are  past. 

When  those  joys,  that  charm'd,  shall  fail  thee, 

And  the  scene  is  fading  round  ; 
What  will  foolish  pride  avail  thee  ? 

Then  in  meekness  peace  is  found. 


44  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

53. 

•  Be  ye  (herefore  followers  of  God,  as   dear  children. 

Great  source  of  unexhausted  good ! 

Who  giv'st  us  health,  and  clothes,  and  food, 

And  peace,  and  calm  content  ; 
Like  fragrant  incense  to  the  skies, 
Our  songs  of  gratitude  shall  rise. 

For  all  thy  blessings  lent. 

Grant  us  through  all  our  future  days. 
To  share  the  boons  thy  grace  conveys 

To  enrich  our  needed  store. 
And  oh  !  that  influence  impart, 
Which  prompts  each  humble,  grateful  heart, 

To  bless  and  love  thee  more. 


54. 

*  If  thou  wilt  incline  thine  ear  unto  wisdom,  and  apply 
thy  heart  to  understanding,  then  shalt  thou  under, 
stand  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  find  the  knowledge 
of  God.' 

Fruitless  the  wish,  and  vain  the  prayer, 

For  perfect  bliss  would  be  ; 
I  cannot  shun  what  all  must  share, 

Nor  live  from  sorrow  free. 

I'll  be  a  child  of  nature's  school, 

Her  silent  teachings  trace ; 
And  she  shall  fit  me  by  the  rul« 

Of  holy,  heavenly  grace. 

For  they  are  still  the  truly  wise. 
Who  earliest  learn  to  Igok 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  45 

On  earth's  best  charms,  on  sun,  and  skies^ 
As  wisdom's  open  book. 

Thus  taught,  no  art,  nor  base  deceit 

Shall  mar  my  opening  youth  ; 
My  heart  with  healthful  hopes  shall  beat; 

My  tongue  be  tun'd  to  truth. 

And    when  through    childhood's    paths  of 
flowers, 

My  infant  steps  have  trod, 
My  soul  shall  be  in  after  hours 

Prepar'd  to  learn  of  God. 

55. 

'  Give  ear  to  my   prayer,  0  God  !    hide   not  thytfelf 
from  my  supplication.' 

Father  of  good,  to  whom  belong 
My  morning  prayer  and  evening  song  ; 
Again,  with  trembling  joy,  to  thee, 
A  humble  child,  I  bend  my  knee. 
Thy  pardoning  grace  my  fears  will  quell, 
Thy  love  will  pride  and  sin  expel ; 
While  faith  in  every  danger  nij)h, 
Gives  strength  and  peace  and  liberty. 

And,  as  I  walk  my  earthly  way, 
Thy  mercy,  Lord,  my  steps  shall  stay  : 
Brighten  with  hope  my  saddest  hours, 
And  strew  my  earthly  path  with  flowers. 
And  so,  while  life  and  breath  are  mine. 
Shall  ev'ry  power  in  concert  join, 
To  praise  thee.  Lord,  to  whom  belong 
My  morning  prayer  and  evening  song. 


16  HYMNS    FOR  CHILDREN. 

56. 

'  In  all  thing's  1  would  be  conformed  to  thy  will.' 

Great  God  !  I  would  not  seek  to  know 

The  number  of  my  earthly  hours, 
Nor  if  the  path  that  I  must  go 

Be  paved  with  thorns,  or  strew'd  with  flowers  j 
It  is  enough  for  me  to  see 

My  life  is  governed  by  thy  will, 
And  all  that  I  receive  from  thee, 

Has  been,  and  will  be  kindness  still. 

But  this  I  would  forever  pray, 

And  grant  that  I  be  not  denied, 
That  whether  dark  or  bright  the  way, 

Thy  Spirit  will  my  actions  guide. 
Then  in  the  lapse  of  prosperous  years, 

I  shall  not  raise  my  heart  too  high, 
^or  yield  to  doubts,  distrust,  or  fears, 

Though  pleasures  fail  and  comforts  die. 

57. 

'  Wherefore  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul  !  why  art 
thou  disquieted  within  me  .''  trust  thou  in  God.' — 
Wait  on  the  Lord,  be  of  good  courage,  and  he  shall 
strengthen  thy  heart  ;  wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord.' 

O  God,  to  thee,  who  first  hast  given 
My  mortal  frame  a  spark  of  heaven, 

I  consecrate  my  powers  ; 
Thine  is  its  hop'd  eternity, 
And  thine  its  earthly  life  shall  be, 

Through  months,  and  days,  and  hours. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  47 

Here  at  thy  shrine,  I  bow  resign'd  ; 
Each  struggling  passion  of  my  mind, 

With  all  its  hopes  and  fears ; 
And  here,  to  love  and  worship  thee, 
Is  the  sole  wish  my  heart  would  see. 

Through  all  my  future  years. 

For,  oh  !  when  earthly  cares  are  o'er, 
The  worn  heart  feels  there  is  no  more 

Of  bliss  beneath  the  skies; 
There  is  no  other  certain  trust. 
Which  blends  the  merciful  and  just^ 

Omnipotent  and  wise. 

58. 

'  Where  envying  and  strife  is,  there  is  confusion  and 
every  evil  work. — Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but 
overcome  evil  with  good. — The  lofty  looks  of  a  man 
shall  be  humbled,  and  the  haughtiness  of  men  shall 
be  bowed  down. — Humble  yourselves,  therefore, 
under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  that  he  may  exalt 
you  in  due  season.' 

Taste  not  from  envy's  poisonous  fountain, 
The  peace  destroying  streams  that  flow  ; 
Nor  climb  ambition's  dangerous  mountain 
To  look  upon  the  world  below. 
The  princely  pine  on  hills  exalted, 
Whose  lofty  branches  cleave  the  sky, 
By  winds,  long  braved,  at  last  assaulted. 
Is  headlong  whirled  in  dust  to  lie  : 
Whilst  the  mild  rose,  more  safely  growing, 
Low,  in  its  quiet,  tranquil  vale. 
Amid  retirement's  shelter  blowing, 
Exchanges  sweets  with  every  gale, 


48  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

59. 

•'  He  healeth  the  broken-hearted,  and  bindeth  up  theii 
their  wounds. — The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lor<i  hath 
taken  awaj',  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.' 

Frail  though  my  young  devotions  be, 
I  humbly  dare  look  up  to  Thee, 

JMy  Father  and  my  God  ! 
For  I  have  felt  affliction's  power, 
And  yet  in  sorrow's  darkest  hour, 

Have  raark'd  a  parent's  rod. 

I  pray  not  for  this  world's  vain  hope, 
The  soul  desires  a  larger  scope, 

Destin'd  to  live  forever  : 
I  ask  not  many  years  to  live. 
But  that  in  those  thou  will'st  to  give. 

I  may  forget  Thee — never. 

In  every  varying  moment,  still 
May  my  whole  duty  be  thy  will. 

And  may  I  meet  each  trial. 
With  fortitude  resigned  and  pure, 
A  spirit  anchored  to  endure, 

And  holy  self-denial. 

60. 

'  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good,  and  his 
mercy  enduretb  unto  all  generations.— He  crown- 
eth  the  year  with  his  goodness.' 

When  near,  O,  Lord  thy  heavenly  throne, 

The  seraph   angels  humbly  bow — 

And  render  praise  to  thee  alone — 

The  source  from  whence  «11  blessings  flow, — 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  49 

Wilt  thou,  our  Father,  deign  to  hear 
When  children  join  their  blissful  train 
While  filled  with  love,  and  holy  fear, 
They  swell  the  blest  angelic  strain  ? 

For  though  with  power  enthroned  on  high, 
Thy  love  and  goodness  ne'er  hath  bounds  ; 
To  humble  souls  thy  grace  is  nigh, 
And  earth  with  heaven  thy  praise  resounds. 

We  thank  thee,  that  protecting  care, 
With  shielding  mercy  still  is  near  ; 
That  we  thy  choicest  blessings  share, 
And  smiling  plenty  crowns  the  year. 

61. 

'  Thus  saith  the  Lord,   Blessed  are  they  that  keep  my 
sabbaths.' 

The  sun  goes  down — another  Sabbath  day 
Is  gone,  to  tell  its  tale  of  good  or  ill ; 
Fair  purpose,  erring  act.  inconstant  will, 
Have   swelled,  I  fear,   its  hours,  now  passed 

away — 
For  ever  past.     So  years  on  years  decay ! 
So  glide  the  hours,  by  God  indulgent  given, 
To  wean  our  hearts  from  guilt  to  Him   and 

heaven ; 
So  speeds  the  work  that  will  not  brook  delay  ! 
O  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  the  work  how  vain 
That  aims  not,  ends  not,  centres  not  in  Thee  ! 


50  HYMXS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

62. 

'  Remember  how  short  thy  time  is.— So  teach  me  to 
know  my  days,  that  1  may  apply  my  heart  to  wis- 
dom.' 

What'er  thou  purposes!  to  do, 
With  an  anwearied  zeal  pursue  ; 
To-day  is  thine — improve  to-day, 
Nor  trust  to-morrow's  distant  ray. 

63. 

*  Know  ye  that  God  is  glorious  over  the  whole  world. 
—  O  praise  and  exalt  his  name  forever.' 

I  see  a  God  at  every  step. 

If  I  but  chance  to  cast  my  eye 
On  hill,  or  dale,  or  on  the  deep. 

Or  raise  my  view  to  yon  bright  sky. 

Behold  a  God  of  boundless  sway 

In  the  eccentric  comets'  flight. 
And  when  the  bright  sun  gilds  the  day 

And  when  the  moon  illumes  the  night. 

When  thunders  burst  from  darkened  clouds. 

And  strike  with  dread  the  earth  and  air  ; 
Then  cavern,  deep,  and  rocks,  and  woods, 

Reply  aloud — that  God  is  there. 

Yes,  He  presides,  when  storms  pervade. 
And  heave  the  billows  to  the  sky  ; 

And  when  the  storm's  wild  fury's  laid, 
'Tis  He  that  soothes,  for  He  is  nigh. 


HYJINS  FOR  CHILDREN.  51 

64. 

'  All  things  that  giow  on  the  earth,  bless  ye  the  Lord  : 
praise  and  exalt  him  above  all  forever.' 

A  God  appears  of  grace  and  power, 
In  every  flower  that  decks  the  vale; 

In  every  breeze  and  fostering  shower, 
And  every  bloom  that  scents  the  gale. 

When  hoary  winter  issues  forth, 

With  all  his  inauspicious  train, 
'Tis  God  that  sends  the  snow  on  earth 

And  regulates  his  chilling  reign. 

When  the  thick  shades  obscure  the  sky, 
And  stars  are  hid,  and  sun  is  fled, — 

At  morning's  hour,  with  reason's  eye, 
I  see  him  while  the  light  is  red. 

Since  He's  so  good,  I'll  cease  this  haste 
To  catch  at  fleeting  transient  joy  ; 

Nor  let  those  talents  run  to  waste, 
Which  [  for  him  should  all  employ. 

65. 

'  There  is  none  holy  as  the  Lord  ;    hfi    is  a     God    of 
knowledge,  and  byhini  are  our  actions  weighed.' 

Almighty  Lord  !  to  Thee  alone 
My  heart  and  all  my  ways  are  known ; 
I  cannot  speak,  but  thou  dost  hear — 
I  cannot  think,  but  thou  art  near, 
Each  secret  purpose  of  my  soul 
To  mark,  distinguish,  and  control. 


■J'2  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Where'er  I  wander,  Thee  I  see 
Surrounding  and  inspecting  me. 
How  vast  the  skill  that  can  direct 
A  world — and  yet  a  child  protect  ! 
In  vain  to  trace  thy  ways  1  soar  ; 
I  bow,  and  thy  great  power  adore. 

Could  I  the  morning's  wings  assume. 
Borne  on  a  sunbeam  throu;:h  the  gloom. 
Swift  as  the  light  my  way  pursue 
To  scenes  remote  from  mortal  view  ; 
Remote  from  Thee  I  ne'er  could  rove. 
Thee,  Lord,  in  whom  I  live  and  move. 


66. 

Draw  near,  ye  unlearned,  and  dwell  in  the  house  ot 
learning. — Work  your  work  betimes,  and  in  time 
he  will  give  you  your  reward.' 

Mortal !  while  the  sunny  beam, 
Tells  thee  here  how  time  is  gliding ; 

Haste  the  moments  to  redeem. 
For  eternity  providing. 

Winters  pass,  and  springs  renew, 

In  maturity,  advancing  ; 
Youth  to  pleasure  sighs,  "  adieu," 

In  the  fields  of  childhood  dancing* 

Manhood  sinks  to  hoary  age, 

And  a  night  that  has  no  morning  ; 

Oh,  let  wisdom  now  engage, 

Hear  her  dictates  and  take  warning  f 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN".  53 

Wisely  still  the  moments  use, 

Some  are  every  moment  dying ; 
While  this  lesson  you  peruse, 

Oh,  remember  time  is  flying  ! 

67. 

'  O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down,  letxis  kneel 
before  the  Lord  our  maker.' 

Far  from  mortal  cares  retreating. 
Sordid  hopes,  and  vain  desires, 
Here,  our  willing  footsteps  meeting. 
Every  heart  to  heaven  aspires. 
From  the  Fount  of  glory  beaming, 
Light  celestial  cheers  our  eyes  ; 
Mercy  from  above  proclaiming 
Peace  and  pardon  from  the  skies. 

Who  may  share  this  great  salvation  ? — 
Every  pure  and  humble  mind  ; 
Every  kindred  tongue  and  nation, 
From  the  stains  of  guilt  refined  ; 
Blessings  all  around  bestowing, 
God  withholds  his  care  from  none  ; 
Grace  and  mercy  ever  flowing 
From  the  fountain  of  his  throne. 

Every  stain  of  sin  abhorring, 
Firm  and  bold  in  virtue's  cause, 
Still  thy  providence  adoring. 
Faithful  subjects  to  thy  laws. 
Lord  !  with  favour  still  attend  us, 
Bless  us  with  thy  wond'rous  love ; 
Thou,  our  sun  and  shield,  defend  us  : 
All  our  hope  is  from  above. 
e2 


.j4  hymns  for  children. 


68. 


Be  thou  exalted,  O  God  !  above  the  heaveuj  and  thy 
glory  above  all  the  earth.' 

Thou  art,  O  God  !  the  life  and  light 
Of  all  this  wond'roiis  world  we  see ; 

Its  glow  by  day,  its  smile  by  night, 
Are  but  reflections  caught  from  thee  ; 

Where'er  we  turn  thy  glories  shine, 

And  all  things  fair  and  bright  are  thine. 

When  youthful  spring  around  us  breathes, 
Thy  spirit  warms  her  fragrant  sigh ; 

And  every  flower  the  summer  wreathes, 
Is  born  beneath  that  kindling  eye ; 

Where'er  we  turn,  thy  glories  shine, 

And  all  things  fair  and  bright  are  thine. 

69. 

Let  us  not  be  weary  in  well-doing  ;  for  in  due  season 
we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint  not.  As  we  have  there- 
fore opportunity,  let  us  do  good  unto  all  men.' 

Onward,  onward,  may  we  press, 

Through  the  path  of  duty  ; 
Virtue  is  true  happiness, 

Excellence  true  beauty  ; 
Minds  are  of  celestial  birth, 
We  will  make  a  heaven  on  earth. 

Closer,  closer  liet  us  knit 

Hearts  and  hands  together, 
Where  our  fire-side  comforts  sit 

In  the  wildest  weather  : 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  55 

O,  they  wander  wide,  who  roam 
For  the  joys  of  life  from  home. 

Nearer,  dearer  bands  of  love, 

Draw  our  souls  in  union, 
To  our  Father's  house  above, 

And  the  saints  communion  ; 
Thither  may  our  hopes  ascend, 
There  may  all  our  labours  end. 


70. 

'  Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath  praise  the  Lord. 

Glory  to  our  heavenly  king  ! 
Bounteous  parent !  thee  we  sing  ; 
Gratitude  the  strain  inspires, 
Humble  hopes,  sincere  desires. 

God  of  glory !  God  of  love  ! 
Lord  of  all  the  worlds  above  ! 
Thee  we  bless  for  daily  food, 
Thee  we  bless  for  every  good. 

More  than  all,  we  praise  thee.  Lord, 
For  the  blessings  of  thy  word. 
For  the  tidings  Jesus  brought. 
For  the  precepts  Jesus  taught. 

Gracious  Father  !  Heavenly  King ! 
Feeble  lips  presume  to  sing  ; 
Infant  voices  humbly  raise 
Grateful,  fervent  songs  of  praise. 


56  HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN, 


n 


'  At  night  the  earth  fades  from  our  sight,  and  nothing 
of  creation  is  left  us  but  the  starry  heavens,  so  vast, 
so  magnificent,  so  serene,  as  if  to  guide  up  our 
thoughts  above  all  earthly  things  to  God  and  immor- 
tality.' Charming. 

Night  is  the  time  for  rest ; 

How  sweet  when  labours  close, 
To  gather  round  a  weary  breast 

The  curtain  of  repose  ; 
Stretch  the  tired  limbs  and  lay  the  head 
Upon  our  own  delightful  bed  ! 

Night  is  the  time  to  pray  ; 

Our  Saviour  oft  withdrew 
To  desert  mountains  far  away, 

So  will  his  followers  do  ; 
Steal  from  the  thi'ong  to  haunts  untrod, 
And  hold  communion  there  with  God. 

Night  is  the  time  for  death ; 

When  all  around  is  peace. 
Calmly  to  yield  the  weary  breath, 

From  sin  and  suffering  cease  ; 
Think  of  Heaven's  bliss  and  give  the  sign 
To  parting  friends  ; — such  death  be  mine  ! 

72. 

'  "W'e  testify  repentance  toward  God,  and  faith  towardJ^ 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.' 

God  of  mercy  !  God  of  love  ! 
Hear  our  sad  repentant  songs  ; 
Listen  to  our  suppliant  voice, 
Thou  to  whom  all  praise  belongs, 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  0 

We  lament  our  follies  past, 
Talents  wasted,  time  misspent  ; 
Hearts  debased  by  worldly  cares. 
Thankless  for  the  blessings  lent 

Foolish  fears  and  fond  desires, 
Vain  regrets  for  things  as  vain  ; 
Lips  too  seldom  taught  to  praise, 
Oft  to  murmur  and  complain. 

These,  and  erery  secret  fault, 
FilFd  with  grief  and  shame  we  own  ; 
Humbled  at  thy  feet  we  bow. 
Seeking  pardon  from  thy  throne. 

God  of  mercy  !  God  of  grace  ! 
Hear  our  sad  repentant  songs  ; 
O  forgive  thy  suppliant  race, 
Thou  to  whom  all  praise  belongs  ! 

73. 

Ye  shall  keep  the  Sabbath, therefore,  for  it  is  holy  un- 
to you. — Six  days  work  may  be  done  ;  but  on  the 
seventh  is  the  sabbath  of  rest,  holy  to  the  Lord.' 

Hail  sacred  season  !  peaceful  day  ! 
By  God  himself  ordained  and  blessed 
A  foretaste  in  a  weary  way, 
Of  endless  rest. 

Spirit  of  heavenly  grace,  descend. 
Breathe  on  this  sinful  heart  of  mine  ; 
And  as  I  trust  thee  for  my  friend, 
Give  life  divine. 


08  HYMNS    FOR    CHILDREN. 

Devoted  day  of  calm  repose, 
Close  of  creation,  sweetly  blest, 
A  pause  to  labour, — balm  of  woes— 
An  hour  of  rest. 

Sublime  precursor  of  an  hour 
When  all  our  cares  on  earth  shall  cease, 
In  life's  sad  path  a  lovely  flower, 
A  beam  of  peace. 

Great  Spirit,  who  ordained  and  blest. 
Shed  on  this  heart  its  tranquil  powers  ; 
And  teach  ray  bosom  how  to  rest 
In  sacred  hours. 


74. 

The  lip  of  truth  shall  be   established  forever,  and  he 
that  speaketh  truth  showeth  forth  righteousness.' 

Begin,  my  child,  in  early  youth 
To  utter  and  encourage  truth  ; 

The  tree's  distinguished  by  the  fruit ; 
Be  virtue  then  your  great  pursuit ; 

Set  good  examples  in  your  view, 
And  wisely  imitate  them  too  j 

Every  ignoble  action  scorn 

Nor  meanly  here  your  mind  deform  ; 

Constant,  in  wisdom's  path  appear 
And  meekly  her  instructions  hear ; 

So  shall  you  happy  be  on  earth 
And  joyful  hail  your  heavenly  birth. 


HYMNS  FOn  CHILDREN.  59 

75. 

•  Consider  the  lilies  of  the  field,  how  they  g^row." 

By  the  cutting  north-wind  rent, 

See  the  prostrate  lily  lies  ; 
So,  his  life  mid  tempests  spent, 

Many  a  saint  in  sorrow  dies. 

But  the  valley  clods  are  keeping 

In  their  treasury  the  flower  ; 
So  the  saint  entombed,  is  sleeping 

Safely  through  the  mortal  hour. 

Harmlessly  the  winter  rages 

O'er  the  lily's  hidden  bloom  ; 
So  the  lengthened  blasts  of  ages 

Unperceived  roll  o'er  the  tomb. 

See  in  new  and  purer  whiteness 

In  the  spring  the  lily  rise ; 
So  the  saint  with  deathless  brightness 

Shall  awake  in  heavenly  skies. 

76. 

Return  unto  Ihe  Lord,  forsake  thy  sins,   make   thy 
prayer  before  his  face,  and  offend  less.' 

Tell  me,  moments  now  no  more, 
As  the  yearly  path  yeVe  trod, 
What  was  the  report  ye  bore 
To  the  eternal  throne  of  God  ? 

Was  the  accusation  just, 
"  Time  thou'st  wasted  and  misspent :" 
Time  committed  to  thy  trust. 
Chief  of  all  the  talents  lent  ? 


60  HYMNS    FOR    CHILDREN. 

When  the  memory  turns  to  gaze 

Over  all  that  yet  has  been, 
Oh  how  drear  seem  misspent  days — 

A  barren,  and  a  mournful  scene  ! 

If  some  moments  here  and  there, 

Were  in  better  use  employed, 
They  like  spots  of  verdure  bloom 

In  a  desert  unenjoyed. 

Now  we  think,  as  moments  fly, 

Time  shall  not  be  lost  again, 
But  the  future,  passing  by. 

All  its  burthen  will  sustain. 

77. 

'  Come  ye  blessed  of  ray  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom 
preparetl  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world  : 
For  I  was  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  meat  ;  I  was 
thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  drink  ;  I  was  a  stranger, 
and  ye  took  me  in  ;  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  ;  sick, 
and  ye  visited  me  ;  in  prison,  and  ye  came  unto  me.' 

The  willow  that  droops  by  the  side  of  the  river, 
And  drinks  in  its  life  from  the  stream  that 
flows  by. 
In  return  spends  that  life  in  the  cause  of  the 
giver. 
And  shadows  the  stream  from  the  heat  of  the 
sky. 

Great  God,  my  Creator,  I  humbly  adore  thee. 
For  thou  art  this  life-giving  fountain  to  me ; 

All  weakness  myself  and  a  suppliant  before 
thee, 
I  cannot  return  this  protection  to  thee ! 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN,  Sf 

In  sadness,  in  poverty,  sickness  or  danger, 

J 'II  succour  each  suffering  child  that  I  see  ; 
The  aid    thus  bestowed   in  this   world   on  a 

stranger, 
One  day    thou  wilt  say  was  bestowed  upon 

Thee  ! 

78. 

'  Come,  let  us  praise  God,  for  he  is  exceeding"  great  -, 
let  us  bless  God,  for  he  is  very  good.' — Mrs.Barbauld. 

My  God,  thy  boundless  love  I  praise ; 
Now  bright  on  high  its  glories  blaze  ! 

How  sweetly  bloom  below  ! 
It  streams  from  thine  eternal  home, 
From  heaven  its  joys  forever  come. 

And  wide  the  earth  o'erflow. 

It  robes  in  cheerful  green  the  ground, 
And  spreads  its  flowery  beauties  round. 

Wafts  odours  on  the  gale  ; 
Its  bounties  richly  deck  the  plain, 
The  blushing  fruit,  the  golden  grain, 

And  smiles  in  every  vale. 

But  in  thy  gospel  see  it  shine 
With  grace  and  glories  more  divine, 

Proclaiming  sins  forgiven  ; 
There  faith  unwavering  points  the  way, 
To  realms  of  everlasting  day, 

Opening  the  gates  of  Heaven. 

Then  let  the  love  that  makes  me  blest, 
With  cheerful  praise  inspire  my  breast^ 


t)2  HVMNa   FOR  CHILDREa. 

And  ardent  gratitude ; 
And  all  my  aspirations  tend 
To  thee  my  father,  and  my  friend. 

And  my  immortal  good. 

79. 

*  The  Lord  hath  us  in  his  holy  keeping." 

Lord,  through  the  slippery  paths  of  youth, 
Be  thou  our  guardian  and  our  guide  ; 
That  we  directed  by  thy  truth, 
JMay  never  from  thy  precepts  slide. 

To  read  thy  word,  our  hearts  incline  ; 
To  understand  it,  light  impart; 
Oh  Father  !  may  we  all  be  thine ; 
Take  full  possession  of  each  heart. 

80. 

'  We  will  worship  in  thy   holy  temple  :  we  will   praise 
the  Lord  with  our  whole  hearts.* 

Whwi  in  thy  temple.  Lord  !  we  bow, 
To  thee  our  grateful  souls  would  rise ; 
O  grant  that  we  may  bring  thee  now 
A  pure  and  holy  sacrifice. 

What  is  the  world  that  it  should  share 
Hearts  which  belong  to  God  alone  ; 
What  are  the  pleasures  reigning  there 
Compared  with  thee.  Almighty  One  ! 

Fountain  of  living  waters  !  we 
To  earthly  springs  would  stoop  no  more  ; 
Humbly  we  bend  ourselves  to  thee, 
Oh  !  on  our  hearts  thy  spirit  pour. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  C3 

81. 

Why  doth  one  day  excel  another,  when  in  all  the 
Ms:ht  of  every  day  in  the  year  is  the  sun  ? — By  the 
knowledge  of  the  Lord  were  they  distinguished, 
and  he  altered  the  seasons.' 

L^k  through  creation,  and  behold 
The  wonders  of  Almight)^  power  ; 
Eternal  wisdom's  works  unfold, 
In  every  leaf — in  every  flower  ! 

There  is  a  God  all  good  and  wise, 

The  very  meanest  insect  cries ; 

Seasons  revolving  in  their  spheres, 

A  thousand  changing  beauties  bring; 

But  loveliest  of  them  all  appears, 

The  green-robed  beauty — charming  spring  : 

The  music  of  whose  morning  voice, 

Bids  all  the  sons  of  earth  rejoice. 

82. 

'  I  went  by  the  field  of  the  slothful  ;  and  lo,  it  was  all 
grown  over  with  thorns,  and  pottles  had  covered  the 
face  thereof.  Then  I  looked  upon  it  and  received 
instruction.'  ' 

Shun  delays,  they  bring  remorse, 
Take  thy  time  while  time  is  lent  thee, 
Creeping  snails  have  weakest  force, 
Fly  their  fault,  lest  thou  repent  thee. 

Good  is  best  when  soouest  wrought. 
Lingering  labours  come  to  nought; 
Works  adjourned  have  many  stays  \ 
Long  demurs  bring  new  delays. 


<3*l  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

83. 

'  The  spirits  of  those  that  fear    the  Lord    shall  live 
and  they  that  seek  hiin  early  shall  find  favour.' 

Author  of  life  !  with  reason's  dawn 

Let  me  thy  favour  gain  ; 
And  when  its  strength  with  age  declines. 

I  shall  not  trust  in  vain. 

Childhood  devoted  to  the  Lord, 

Is  pleasing  in  his  eyes  ; 
A  flower  that's  offered  in  the  bud, 

Is  no  vain  sacrifice. 

'Twill  save  us  from  unnumbered  ills, 

To  seek  religion  young  ; 
Grace  will  preserve  succeeding  years 

And  make  our  virtue  strong. 

God  let  me  in  remembrance  bear, 

For  him  each  hour  employ  ! 
And  make  my  Maker,  whose  I  am, 

My  early  trust  and  joy. 

84. 

'  Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God;  and  his  righteous 
ness.' 

Providence,  profusely  kind, 
Wheresoe'er  you  turn  your  eyes, 
Bids  you  with  a  grateful  mind 
View  your  many  blessings  rise. 

But  perhaps  some  friendly  voice 
Softly  whispers  to  your  mind — 


HVMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  65 

Make  not  these  alone  you  choice, 
Heaven  has  blessings  more  refined. 

Thankful  own  what  you  enjoy ; 
But  a  changing  world  like  this, 
Where  a  thousand  fears  annoy, 
Cannot  give  you  perfect  bliss. 

Perfect  bliss  resides  above, 
Far  beyond  the  azure  sky ; 
Bliss  that  merits  all  your  love, 
Quiets  every  anxious  sigh. 

85. 

•  And  Jesus  took  little  children  ia  his  arms  and  Mess- 
ed them,  saying,  Forbid  them  not  to  come  unto  me, 
for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.'     \ 

Father  of  Heaven !  thy  wond'rous  power 
Leads  us  through  childhood^s  dawning  ray, 
Upholds  us  here  through  ev'ry  hour  ! 
And  guards  us  to  maturer  day  ! 

When  gently  gliding  o'er  life's  wave. 
Thy  smile  will  holy  love  reveal ; 
And  when  no  earthly  art  can  save, 
Thine  arm  of  power  will  be  our  shield. 

Thy  heavenly  word  shall  calm  the  sea. 
Thy  voice  shall  whisper,  "  Peace,  be  still !" 
A  star  on  high  shall  show  us  thee, 
And  cast  rich  splendour  on  thy  will. 

Grateful  for  thy  protecting  grace, 
We  bow  ourselves  before  thy  throne  ; 

F    2 


G6  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Oh  !  may  we  there  thy  mercy  trace, 
And  thy  presiding  presence  own. 

For  Jesus's  sake,  we  ask  thy  aid, — 
Sanction  the  hope  his  words  have  given, 
"  Forbid  them  not  to  come,"  he  said ; 
*^  For  such  are  those  who  dwell  in  heaven." 

86. 

<  The  summer  is  over  and  gone  :  the  grass  withereth, 
and  the  flower  fadeth.' 

The  summer  ends  its  short  career. 

The  zephyrs  breathe  farewell ; 
And  full  upon  the  closing  year 

The  brilliant  glories  dwell. 

The  winds  breathe  low — the  fading  leaf 

Scarce  whispers  on  the  tree  ! 
So  gently  flows  the  parting  breath 

When  good  men  cease  to  be. 

How  beautiful  on  all  the  hills 

The  crimson  light  is  shed  ! 
'Tis  like  the  peace  the  christian  gives 

To  mourners  round  his  bed. 

Ho  V  mildly  on  the  floating  cloud 

The  sunset  beams  are  cast ! 
^Tis  like  the  memory  left  behind 

When  lov'd  ones  breathe  their  last. 

Oh  !  thus  serene  and  free  from  fear 

May  be  our  last  repose  ; 
Thus  like  the  sabbath  of  the  year 

Our  latest  evening  close. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  0 

87. 

'  The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious,   slow    to  anger, 
and  plenteous  iu  mercy.' 

Let  me  with  fervour  praise  the  Lord, 
Bless,  O  my  soul,  his  name  and  word, 

His  mercies  oft  repeat; 
Who  will  thy  num'rous  sins  forgive, 
Heal  thy  diseases,  bid  thee  live, 

And  every  trial  meet. 

He  leads  thee  from  destruction's  ways, 
With  constant  mercy  crowns  thy  days, 

And  a  kind  father's  care  ; 
Renews  thee  as  the  eagle's  youth ; 
A  God  of  justice  and  of  truth, 

Who  still  delights  to  spare. 

He's  slow  to  anger,  full  of  grace 
And  will  not  always  hide  his  face 

Ungrateful  as  we  are  ; 
Where'er  his  boundless  realms  extend, 
Let  invocations  pure  ascend, 

To  Him  who  heareth  prayer  ! 

88. 

The  eyei  of  the  Lord  are  upon  thera  that  lore  hina, 
he  is  their  mighty  protection,  and  strong  stay. — 
Blessed  is  the  soul  of  him  that  feareth  the  Lord.' 

To  thee,  O  Lord,  we  humbly  pray. 
And  for  the  blessings  of  this  day 
Accept  our  sacrifice  of  praise, 
Which  now  in  grateful  songs  we  raise. 


68  HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN. 

Still  may  thy  providential  care 
Preserve  from  every  fatal  snare, 
And  from  the  perils  of  the  night 
Defend  us  by  thy  sovereign  might. 

And  when  sure  death,  like  night  shall  come, 
And  call  us  to  our  endless  home, 
May  we  be  found  in  peace  with  thee, 
And  wake  in  heaven  eternally. 

89. 

'  Thou  shall  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart; 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength,  and  thy 
neighbour  as  thyself.' 

Love  God  with  all  your  soul, 
With  all  your  heart  and  mind. 

And  love  your  neighbour  as  yourself  ; 
Be  faithful,  just,  and  kind. 

Deal  with  another  as  you'd  have 

Another  deal  with  you  ; 
What  you're  unwilling  to  receive, 

Be  sure  you  never  do. 


90. 

Slothfulness  casteth  into  a  deep  sleep,  and  the  idle 
soul  shall  suffer  hunger. — The  hand  of  the  diligent 
maketh  rich.' 

See  the  golden  orb  of  day. 
Rising,  shoots  his  brilliant  ray, 
From  the  shades  of  night  he  springs. 
Wafting  far  on  mighty  wings. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  69 

Lo  !  the  time  for  sleep  has  run, 
Rise  before  or  with  the  sun  ; 
Lift  thy  hands  and  humbly  pray 
The  fountain  of  eternal  day, 
That,  as  light  serenely  fair, 
Illuminates  the  tracks  of  air  ; 
Heaven's  sacred  spirit  so  may  rest, 
With  kindly  beams  upon  thy  breast ; 
And  shine  with  grace,  until  thou  view 
The  realm  it  gilds  with  glory  too. 
And  whether  with  a  small  repast, 
You  break  the  sober  morning  fast ; 
Or  early  walk  abroad  to  meet 
Your  business  with  industrious  feet ; 
Whate'er  you  think,  whate'er  you  do, 
Still  keep  your  Maker's  praise  in  view. 

91. 

*  All  these  are  full  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord.' 

Bright  stars  of  eve,  your  lucid  rays 
Direct  my  thoughts  to  realms  on  high ; 
Great  is  the  theme,  though  weak  my  lays. 
For  ye  proclaim  that  God  is  nigh. 

And  distant  far  your  orbs  I  see, 

With  native  lustre  ever  shine  ; 

How  great,  how  good,  how  dreadful !  He 

In  whom  light,  hie,  and  truth  combine. 

Oh  !  may  I  better  know  his  will, 
And  more  implicitly  obey  ; 
Be  God  my  friend,  my  father  still, 
From  earthly — to^  eternal  day. 


70  HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN. 

92. 

'  Search  thy  heart. — So  shah  thou  deal  wisely.' 

Hast  thou,  my  soul,  improved  each  power, 
With  zeal  this  day  for  God  and  man  ; 
Hath  diligence  mark'd  every  hour, 
As  though  it  now  might  close  thy  span  ? 

And  if  another  opening  morn, 
On  earth  should  never  rise  on  thee — 
Wert  thou  to  meet  another  dawn 
In  the  unknown  eternity — 

Shouldst  thou  with  grief  review  this  day, 
And  tremble  at  thy  Maker's  nod — 
Or,  would 'st  thou  calmly  soar  away, 
To  meet  a  kind  approving  God  ? 

93. 

'  Thou  hast  preserved  my  life  from  destruction. 

I  live  again  to  see  the  day 

That  brought  me  first  to  light ; 

O !  teach  my  youthful  lioart  the  way 
To  take  thy  mercies  right. 

Though  dazzling  splendour,  pomp  and  show 

M\-  fortune  has  denied  ; 
Yet,  more  than  grandeur  can  bestow, 

Content  hath  well  supplied. 

No  strife  at  home  disturbs  my  peace, 
No  miseries  have  I  known  ; 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  71 

And,  that  I'm  blest  with  health  and  ease, 
With  humble  thanks  I  own. 

I'll  envy  no  one's  birth  or  fame. 

Their  titles,  train,  or  dress  ; 
Nor  shall  ray  pride  e'er  stretch  its  aim 

Beyond  what  I  possess. 

I  ask  not,  wish  not,  to  appear 

More  beauteous,  rich,  or  gay ; 
Lord,  make  me  wiser  every  year, 

And  better  every  day. 

94. 

Truly  my  soul  waiteth  upou  God  : — I  will  sing  of  thy 
mercy  in  the  morning-,  O  my  God.' 

See  the  gleams  of  daylight  swim 
On  the  heaving  ocean's  brim  ! 
Now  the  waves  are  gilded  o'er 
With  the  golden  beams  still  more. 
See  !  the  gathering  lustre  shines 
On  the  mountain's  loftiest  pines, 
And  the  far-off  village  spires 
Redden  in  the  kindling  fires. 

God  hath  made  the  sun  to  shine 
Image  of  his  love  divine ; 
Thus  his  rays  of  mercy  fall* 
Liberally  alike  on  all ; 
Thus  he  lights  our  happy  way 
Through  the  labours  of  the  day,— * 
And  when  all  our  cares  are  past 
Guides  us  to  his  rest  at  last. 


72  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 


95. 

He  that  dwftlleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most  High 
$hall  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almijs^hty. — I 
will  say  of  the  Lord,  surely  he  is  my  refuge. — Be- 
cause thou  hast  made  the  Lord  thy  refuge,  even  the 
Most  High,  there  shall  no  evil  befal  thee — for  he 
shall  give  his  angels  charge  over  thee  to  keep  thee  in 
all  thy  ways. — And  his  angels  are  ministering  spirits.' 

Oh,  is  there  not  a  Mighty  Power 

Whose  sleepless  agents  work  his  will, 

And  who,  in  pleasure's  brightest  hour, 
Or  sorrow's  night  watch  o'er  us  still  ? 

They  guard  the  infant's  helpless  years  ; 

They  guide  the  wandering  steps  of  youth ; 
And  through  life's  path  of  storms  and  tears 

Still  cheer  us  with  the  light  of  truth. 

When  in  the  hour  of  pain  and  grief, 

With  anguishM  souls  we  kneel  in  prayer. 

Their  influence  brings  our  hearts  relief, 
Which  else  had  broken  with  despair. 

When  morn  or  evening's  golden  rays, 
With  summer  beauty  light  the  sky, 

Our  grateful  minds  they  bid  us  raise, 
Adoring,  to  the  world  on  high  ! 

And  when  upon  the  bed  of  death 
We  close  the  scene  of  trial  here, 

Bright  spirits  catch  our  parting  ureath, 
And  waft  us  to  a  heavenly  sphere  I 


HYMNS  FOR  <:HlLDREN.  73 

96. 

*  Early  will  I  seek  thee.'- 

When  in  the  morning  of  my  days. 

No  mournful  cloud  appears, 

Or  when  in  dark  and  painful  ways, 

i\Iy  eyes  are  dim  with  tears, 

I'll  pray  to  God  whose  power  sends  down 

Afflictions  for  the  best, 

And  when  all  other  hopes  depart, 

Can  give  the  weary  rest. 

While  parents  and  kind  friends  for  me 

Their  time  and  strength  employ, 

And  I  am  sad  at  their  distress 

And  love  to  share  their  joy  ; 

I'll  cleave  to  him  whose  love  inspires 

In  them  those  anxious  cares, 

The  heavenly  parent  and  the  friend. 

Whose  kindness  passeth  theirs. 

97. 

Blessed  art  thou,0  Lord  !  teach  me  thy  statutes  ; — 
I  will  meditate  upon  thy  precepts,  and  have  respect 
unto  thy  ways.' 

O  grant  thy  blessing.  Lord,  to-day  ! 
O  give  thy  children  joy  and  peace  ! 
The  tokens  of  thy  grace  display. 
Thy  favours  which  shall  never  cease. 

We  seek  the  truth  which  Jesus  brought  : 
Hi's  path  of  light  we  wish  to  tread  : 


74  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Here  by  his  doctrines  to  be  taught ; 
And  here  by  their  blest  influence  led. 

May  truth  and  peace  and  hope  abound  5 
Our  sins  and  errors  be  forgiven ; 
And  we  in  thy  great  day,  be  found 
Children  of  God,  and  heirs  of  heaven. 


98. 

'  Draw  nig^h  to  God,  and  he  will  draw  nigh  to  you. 

Almighty  God  and  King  on  high, 
My  spirit  bows  before  thee  now  ; 

How  frail  a  creature,  Lord,  am  T, 
Eternal  one,  how  great  art  thou  ! 

Thy  boundless  mercy  calls  us  near, 
And  bids  us  look  to  heaven  our  home  ; 

As  children,  then,  we  will  not  fear, 

With  our  meek  offerings.  Lord,  to  come. 


O  precious  privilege  for  us 
On  thee  securely  to  depend  ; 

To  bring  our  infant  praises  thus 
As  to  a  father  and  a  friend  ! 


99. 

'  The  day  is  thine,  the  night  also  is  thine. 

Greatest  of  beings  !  source  of  life, 
Maker  of  air,  and  earth,  and  sea  ! 
All  nature  feels  thy  power,  and  all 
A  silent  homage  pays  to  thee. 


HYMNS    FOR    CHILDREN.  75 

Waked  by  thy  word,  the  morning  sun, 
Pours  far  abroad  his  golden  raySj 
And  speaks  thy  glories  as  he  shines  ; 
While  raptured  beings  sing  thy  praise. 

The  moon  o'er  the  deep  shades  of  night 
Spreads  the  mild  lustre  of  thy  name  ; 
While  all  the  stars  that  cheer  the  scene, 
Thee,  the  great  Lord  of  life,  proclaim.  . 

And  gloves,  and  vales,  and  rocks,  and  hills, 
And  every  flower  and  verdant  tree, 
And  thousand  creatures  gay  with  hfe. 
Have  all  a  grateful  song  for  thee. 

100. 

Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy  lips  from  speak- 
ing guile. — A  lie  is  a  foul  blot  :  and  the  disposition 
of  a  liar  dishonorable. — Keep  thy  word,  and  deal 
faithfully,  and  thou  shalt  always  find  the  thing 
that  is  necessary  for  thee.' 

Of  all  the  gifts  in  virtue's  power 
That  should  adorn  the  breast  of  youth; 
The  fairest  and  the  purest  flower 
Is  ever  valued,  simple  truth. 

Her  dictates  always  lead  us  right, 
Less'ning  the  fault  she  bids  us  own  ; 
Turning  false  shame  to  sweet  delight, — 
Delight  to  Hars  never  known. 

Though  trifling  be  the  act  we  do. 
Or  great  the  punishment  we  shun, 
Not  in  base  falsehood's  name  we'll  sue, 
But  speak  with  truth  the  ill  we've  done. 


76  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

101. 

*  The  Lord  made  the  heaven,   and  the   earth,   the  sea 

and  all  that  in  them   is.' 

With  grateful  joy  will  we  record 
The  various  wonders  of  our  Lord  ; 
O  let  his  power  and  goodness  sound 
Through  the  wide  earth's  remotest  bound. 

Lo  !  the  high  heavens  our  songs  invite, 
Those  spacious  fields  of  brilliant  light, 
Where  suns,  and  moons,  and  planets  roll, 
And  stars  that  glow  from  pole  to  pole. 

See,  earth  in  verdant  robes  arrayed, 

Its  herbs  and  flowers,  its  light  and  shade. 

See  insects  fill  the  airy  tide, 

Life  from  its  secret  stores  supplied. 

View  the  broad  sea's  majestic  plain, 
And  sing  its  Maker's  boundless  reign  ; 
That  ocean,  \\hich  does  nations  join, 
And  speaks  its  Maker's  name  divine. 

102. 

*  Seek  ye  the  Lord,  while  he  may  be  found  ;   call  ye 

upon  him  while  he  is  near.' 

Be  it  my  only  wisdom  here, 

To  serve  the  Lord  with  filial  fear, 

And  pious  gratitude  : 
Superior  sense  may  I  display 
By  shunning  every  evil  way, 
.  And  walking  with  the  good. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  77 

O  may  T  still  from  sin  depart ; 
A  wise  and  understanding  heart, 

O  Lord,  to  me  be  given  ; 
And  let  me  through  thy  spirit  know, 
How  thee  to  glorify  below, 

And  tread  the  path  to  heaven  t 


103. 

In  the  beginning  was  the  word,  and  the  word  was 

with  God. By    him  was  every  thing  made  that 

was  made.' 

Lord  of  universal  nature, 
God  of  every  living  creature. 
Light  of  morning,  shade  of  even. 
King  of  ocean,  earth,  and  heaven, — 
Whilst  I,  prostrate,  bow  before  thee, 
Teach  my  spirit  to  adore  thee  ! 

Spring  of  river,  lake,  and  fountain, 
Filer  of  the  rock  and  mountain. 
Breath  of  animal  creation. 
Life  of  varied  vegetation, — 
Whilst  I,  prostrate,  bow  before  thee. 
Teach  my  spirit  to  adore  thee  ! 

First  and  last, — Eternal  Being, — 
All  pervading,  and  all  seeing. 
Centre  of  divine  perfection, — 
Whence  the  planets  learn  subjection. 
Whilst  for  favour  I  implore  thee, 
Teach  ray  spirit  to  adore  thee  ! 


78  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 


104, 

"Years  that  have  passed  will  know  no  return. — To-day 
only  is  thine.' 

Again  time's  never  tiring  hand 
Points  to  the  finished  year ; 
Its  moments  with  past  ages  stand, 
Nor  will  again  appear. 

And  while  the  precious  moments  pass. 
And  time  again  revolves  ; 
Spirit  of  power  and  heavenly  grace 
Assist  my  weak  resolves. 

From  each  imperfect  virtuous  part, 
Then  purer  good  shall  spring ; 
From  errors  past  a  contrite  heart 
Will  true  repentance  bring. 


105. 

'  I  will  call  upon  thee,  0  God  ;  evening  and  morning 
will  I  pray. — Love  your  enemies ;  do  good  to  those 
who  despitefully  use  you,  and  persecute  you.' 

To  thee,  Almighty  God  and  King, 

For  thy  protecting  care. 
The  tribute  of  our  love  we  bring, 

In  homage  and  in  prayer. 

We  bless  thee  for  our  lengthened  days, 
For  friends,  and  health,  and  ease  ; 

And,  while  our  lips  thy  goodness  praise. 
Thee  may  our  actions  please. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  79 

If  we  have  foes,  we  them  forgive — 

O  may  their  anger  cease  ! 
With  all  in  friendship  may  we  live 

And  share  the  joys  of  peace  ! 

With  plans  and  deeds  of  gentleness, 

Still  loving  and  beloved, 
May  we  to  man  good  will  express  ; 

And  be  by  thee  approved  ! 

106. 

*0  Lord,  thou  art  great — thou  hast  searched  me  and 
known  me.     There   is   uot  a   word  on  my  tongue, 

but  lo,  O  Lord,  thou  knowest  it. For  God  gave 

his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in 

him,   might   not  perish,  but  have  eternal  life. 

Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other.' 

There  is  an  eye  that  all  surveys, 

A  hand  that  all  directs  ; 
There  is  a  power  o'er  all  our  ways, 

A  power  that  all  protects. 

There  is  a  hope  can  ne'er  deceive, 

A  trust  can  ne'er  betray  ; 
There  is  a  grace,  when  mortals  grieve, 

Can  wipe  their  tears  away. 

There  is  a  guide,  there  is  a  guard, 

Who  watches  while  we  sleep  ; 
His  trust  is  sure  in  watch  or  ward, 

The  desart  or  the  deep. 

Sweeter  than  morning's  incense  rise, 

To  him  whom  mercies  move, 
The  humble,  unaffected  sighs 

Of  gratitude  and  love  ! 


BO  HYMx\S  FOR  CHILDREN. 

lor. 

*  Give  me  that  which  is  needful  for  me.' 

The  infant  deems  some  pleasure  lies 
Within  the  taper's  trembling  ray  ; 

And  grasps  it — the  delusion  flies, 
He  only  carries  pain  away  ! 

So  thoughtless  children  joy  will  see 
In  some  far  distant  splendid  thing, 

And  gain  it — soon  the  phantom  flees. 
While  haply  there  remains  a  sting. 

Great  Ruler,  Lord  of  all  below. 
Direct  my  views,  and  fix  my  lot ; 

Thou  knowest  what  would  work  my  woe, 
And  though  I  wish  it — grant  it  not. 


108. 

Hearken. ...learn  the  words  of  knowledge  and  mark 
my  words  with  thy  heart. — When  wisdom  entereth 
into  thy  heart,  and  knowledge  is  pleasant  unto  thy 
soul, discretion  shall  preserve  thee;  understanding 
shall  keep  thee.' 

Go,  mark  the  tear  in  pity's  eye, 

'Tis  brighter  than  the  diamond's  beams  ; 
And  the  pure  blush  of  modesty 

More  precious  than  the  ruby  seems. 

TJiose  glowing  gems,  and  sparkling  stones, 
May  strike  us  with  a  short  surprise  ; 

But  truth  and  innocence  alone 
Should  here  engage  the  good  and  wise. 


HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN.  81 

No  glittering  ornament  nor  show 
Will  e'er  allay  thy  grief  or  pain  ; 

Only  from  mental  worth  can  flow 
Delight  that  ever  shall  remain. 

109. 

^Behold,  God  is  great — with  clouds  he  covereth  the 
light.  Look  unto  the  heavens  and  see,  and  be- 
hold the  clouds  which  are  higher  than  thou.' 

Yon  glorious  clouds  that  curtain  round 

This  sublimary  ball, 
And  firmament  on  high,  reveal 

A  God  that  governs  all. 

I  read  a  record  of  his  love, 

His  wisdom  and  his  power, 
Inscribed  on  all  created  things, 

Man,  beast,  and  bird,  and  flower. 

If  such  convictions  to  ray  mind 

His  works  aloud  impart ; 
O  let  the  wisdom  of  his  word 

Inscribe  them  on  my  heart. 

no. 

*  Whereas  ye  know  not  what  sliall  be  on  the  morrow. 
— For  what  is  your  life  ?  It  is  even  a  vapour  that 
appeareth  but  for  a  moment,  and  then  vauisheth 
away.' 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  while  here  below. 
The  number  of  my  days  to  know  ; 
That  I  may  walk  in  wisdom's  ways, 
And  live  to  ray  Creator's  praise. 


82  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

My  life  is  but  a  transient  dream  ; 

0  let  me  every  hour  redeem  ; 

A  pilgrim,  through  this  earth  I  rove, 
And  hasten  to  a  world  above. 

Lord,  help  me  through  this  land  of  woe. 
With  calm  sincerity  to  go  ; 
Heedless  of  sorrow  or  of  pain 
So  I  to  future  rest  attain. 

Though  short  my  days,  my  sins  are  great, 

1  cannot  bear  their  guilty  weight ; 
For  pardon,  through  thy  Son  1  plead, 
And  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 

111. 

*  0  Thou  that  hearest  prayer  !  unto  thee  shall  all  flesh 
come.' 

Almighty  God,  most  gracious  power. 
Thou  know'st  the  fate  of  every  hour, 
Accept  my  earliest  grateful  prayer. 
For  the  past  night's  unbounded  care. 
O  !  guide  me  through  the  coming  day, 
From  virtue's  path  ne'er  let  me  stray  ; 
And  should  my  passions  tempt  me  wrong 
Wilt  thou  restrain  my  lips  and  tongue  ; 
Check  every  thought  and  habit  vain 
And  bring  me  to  thyself  again. 
If  good  or  ill  my  portion  be. 
Lord,  I  will  trace  the  source  to  thee. 
And  still  rejoice,  or  firmly  bear 
The  lot  thy  wisdom  bids  me  share. 
But  lest  my  mind  should  weakly  yield, 
Be  thou,  O  Lord  !  my  strength  and  shield. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  83 


112. 

'  The  Lord  dwelleth  not  in  tabernacles  made  by  men's 
hands. — Who  shall  abide  in  his  tabernacles  ?  who 
shall  dwell  in  his  holy  place  ?  He  that  walketh 
uprightly  and  worketh  righteousness,  and  speaketh 
the  truth.' 

Beyond,  beyond  that  boundless  sea, 

Above  the  high  blue  sky. 
Further  than  thought  itself  can  flee, 

Thy  dwelling  is  on  high  ; 
Yet  dear  the  solemn  thought  to  me, 

That  thou,  ray  God,  art  nigh  : — 

Art  nigh,  and  yet  my  wondering  mind 

Seeks  after  thee  in  vain, 
Thee  in  thy  works  of  power  to  find. 

Or  to  thy  seat  attain. 
Thy  messenger  the  stormy  wind. 

Thy  path  the  trackless  main. 

These  speak  of  thee  with  loud  acclaim. 

And  thunder  forth  thy  praise ; 
The  glorious  honour  of  thy  name, 

The  wonders  of  thy  ways  : 
But  thou  art  not  in  tempest  flame 

Nor  in  day's  glorious  blaze. 

Oh,  not  in  circling  depth,  or  height. 

But  in  the  conscious  breast. 
Present  to  faith,  though  veiled  from  sight, 

There  does  thy  Spirit  rest. 
Send,  Lord,  that  Spirit  infinite  ^ 

And  make  thy  creatures  blest. 


84  HYrrlNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

113. 

'  God  is  mighty  in  power.' 

On  the  waves  there  is  a  form, 
And  a  voice  in  every  storm  : — 
In  the  sun,  the  moon,  and  sky, 
On  the  mountain  wild  and  high, 
Tn  the  thunder,  in  the  rain. 
In  the  grove,  tlic  wood,  the  plain, 
In  the  little  birds  which  sing  ; 
God  is  seen  in  every  thing. 

114. 

*  Whatsoever  ye  would  that  man  should  do  to  you  do  ye 
even  so  to  them.' 

When  on  the  fragrant  sandal  tree 

The  woodman's  axe  descends. 

And  that  which  flourished  beauteously, 

Beneath  his  keen  stroke  bends, 

E'en  on  the  edge  that  wrought  its  death, 

Dying,  it  sheds  its  sweetest  breath, 

As  if  to  token  in  its  fall. 

Peace  to  its  foes,  and  love  to  all. 

How  hardly  we  this  lesson  learn. 

To  smile  and  bless  the  hands  that  spurn,— 

To  see  the  blow, — to  feel  the  pain, 

Yet  render  only  love  again  : 

One  bore  this  spirit,  who  from  heaven 

Dwelt  on  our  earth  and  was  betrayed, 

No  curse  he  breathed,  no  plaint  he  made, 

But  when  in  death  for  thorn  he  sighed. 

Prayed  for  his  murderers,  and  died  ? 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  8o 

115. 

Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of  his 
saints. The  righteous  hath  hope  in  death.' 

O  when  the  hours  of  life  are  past, 

And  death's  dark  shade  arrives  at  last, 
It  is  not  sleep — it  is  not  rest, 

'Tis  glory  opening  on  the  blest : 
For  then  the  God  of  mercy  sheds 

His  purest  influence  on  our  heads  ; 
And  gilds  the  spirits  round  his  throne 

With  glories  radiant  as  his  own. 

116. 

As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  grass  j  as  a  flower  of 
the  field,  so  he  flourisheth  ;  for  the  wind  passeth 
over  it  and  it  is  gone,  and  the  place  thereof  shall 
know  it  no  more.  But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is 
from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  to  such  as  keep  his 
commandments  to  do  them.' 

The  rose,  the  sweetly  blooming  rose, 

Ere  from  the  tree  'tis  torn, 
Is  hke  the  charms  which  beauty  shows 

In  life's  exulting  morn  ! 

But,  O  !  how  soon  its  sweets  are  gone, 

How  soon  it  withering  lies ! 
So  when  the  eve  of  life  comes  on, 

Our  beauty  fades  and  dies. 

Then  since  the  fairest  flower  that's  made. 

We  withering  soon  shall  find, 
Let  us  possess  what  ne'er  will  fade, 

The  beauties  of  the  mind  ! 


SP)  HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN. 


117. 

'  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praised;  he  is 
our  God  forever  and  ever  ;  he  will  be  our  guide 
even  unto  death.' 

Through  each  perplexing  path  of  life, 

O  Lord,  my  footsteps  guide  ; 
Give  me  each  day  my  needful  food, 

And  raiment  fit  provide ; 
O  spread  thy  guardian  care  around, 

Till  all  my  wanderings  cease  ; 
Till  at  thy  glorious  high  abode 

My  soul  arrive  in  peace. 

118. 

'  Our  days  upon  earth   are   as  a  shadow. Yet  will 

we  trust  in  the  Lord  :    his  promises  are  sure  and 
steadfast.' 

Our  youthful  joys  fly  like  a  summer's  gale, 
And  threaten  stern  the  winter  of  our  age  ; 

Life's  busy  scenes  a  short  and  varying  tale  ! 
And  ever  changing  like  wide  nature's  stage  ! 

But  does  no  friendly  power  to  us  dispense 
The  joyful  tidings  of  some  happier  clime  r 

Find  we  no  guide  in  gracious  Providence, 
Beyond  the  grave  where  all  alike  decline  ? 

O  yes  !  the  sacred  oracles  we  hear 

Point  the  bright  way  to  realms  of  endless  joy  ; 
They  bid  our  trembling  hearts  no  danger  fear. 

Though  clouds  surround,  and  stormy  skies 
anno  v. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  87 

Then  let  us  wisely  for  our  change  prepare, 
Nor  count  this  lower  world  our  fixed  abode  ; 

Obey  the  voice  and  trust  our  Maker's  care, 
To  smooth  the  rough,  and  light  the  darksome 
road. 

Moses  inspired,  led  safely  Israel's  host 

Through  dreary  paths  to  Jordan's  fruitful  side  ; 

But  we  a  nobler  hope  than  theirs  can  boast, 
A  brighter  promise  and  more  perfect  guide. 

119. 

'  Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the  measure 
of  my  days that  I  may  know  how  frail  I  am.' 

Our  life  advances  to  its  close. 
While  scarce  its  earliest  dawn  it  knows, 
And  soon  our  rapid  years  are  run. 
And  we  with  earthly  cares  are  done. 

How  many,  e'en  in  youth's  gay  hour, 
Brief  pageants,  like  a  noontide  flower. 
Have  faded  in  their  brightest  bloom, 
And  early  tenanted  the  tomb  ! 

God  of  our  fathers  !  here,  as  they. 
We  walk  the  pilgrims  of  a  day  ; 
Like  transient  guests  thy  works  admire, 
And  quickly  to  the  tomb  retire. 

O  Lord  of  life  and  seasons  !  we 
Our  sole  reliance  place  on  thee  : 
On  thee  we  trust  with  holy  fear. 
And  bless  thee  for  the  new-born,  year ! 


88  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

120. 

•  Consider  the  lilies  of  the  field,  how  they  grow  ;  they 
toil  not,  neither  do  they  spin  ;  and  yet  I  say  unto 
you,  that  even  Solomon  in  all  his  glory  was  not 
arrayed  like  one  of  these.' 

Why  should  a  weak  and  vain  desire, 
For  outward  show  and  gay  attire, 
Engage  our  thoughts,  em|:loy  our  prime, 
And  waste  our  precious  fleeting  time  ? 

No  dress  can  inward  folly  hide  ; 
Be  virtue's  garb  our  only  pride  ; 
Her  purity  and  taste  refined, 
Will  teach  us  to  adorn  our  mind. 


121. 

The  grass  withereth,    the   flower  fadeth  ;—— mortals 

yield   up  their   spirits,   and  where  are  they  ? 

Lord,  so  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.' 

Wlien  a  (ew  years,  or  days  perhaps. 
Shall  glide  away  in  silent  lapse, 

Time  then  to  me  shall  be  no  more  ; 
No  more  the  sun  these  eyes  shall  view, 
Earth  o'er  these  limbs  her  dust  shall  strew, 

And  life's  delusive  dream  be  o'er. 

My  God  !  how  awful  is  the  scene  ! 
A  breath,  a  transient  breath  between, 

And  can  I  waste  life's  fleeting  day  ? 
To  earth,  alas  !  too  firmly  bound. 
Trees  deeply  rooted  in  the  ground, 

Are  shivered  when  they're  torn  away. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  89 

Great  Cause  of  all  above,  below ! 
Who  knows  thee,  must  forever  know, 

Thou  art  immortal  and  divine  : 
Thine  image  on  my  soul  imprest, 
Of  endless  being  is  the  test. 

And  bids  eternity  be  mine. 

122. 

'  The  stars  that  shine  for  ever  and  ever. Lo,  they 

are  parts  of  his  ways  !    but  how  little  a  portion  is 
heard  of  them  !' 

Thought  of  wonder,  O  how  mighty, 

How  stupendous,  how  profound  ! 
All  the  stars  that  sparkle  yonder. 

Roll  in  orbs  of  vastness  round  ! 

Thousands  through  the  hours  of  darkness 

Stud  the  concave  of  the  sky  ; 
Thousands,  thousands,  hid  from  science, 

Shine,  unseen  by  earthly  eye. 

Pause  my  thought — lo  !  myriad  beings 

Move  on  every  planet  there  ; 
All,  for  breath,  and  life,  and  guidance,^ 

Leaning  on  Almighty  care. 

Every  world  has  hills  and  valleys. 
And  His  hand  formed  every  flower  : 

Every  golden-winged  insect  . 
Sporting  in  the  fragrant  bower  : 


Every  little  joy  and  sorrow. 
Every  hope,  and  every  fear. 

Follow  his  supreme  direction 
Fully  as  some  mighty  sphere. 


9Q  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 


123. 

Seek  ye  the  Lord,  while  he  may  be  found  ;  call  up- 
on him  while  he  is  near. Let  the  wicked  for- 
sake his  way  and  the  unrighteous  man  histhought ' 

Think,  O  my  soul,  how  much  depends 
On  the  short  period  of  to-day  ; 
Shall  time,  which  heaven  in  mercy  lends, 
Be  negligently  thrown  away  ? 

Thy  fleeting  minutes  strive  to  use ; 
Awake  !  rouse  every  active  power  ! 
And  not  in  dreams  and  trifles  lose 
This  precious,  this  important  hour ! 

Rescued  from  sin's  destructive  way. 
Where  erring  folly  thoughtless  roves ; 
That  heavenly  virtue  we'll  display, 
Which  Jesus  taught,  which  God  approves. 


124. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  ;  for  it  is  good  to  sing  praises 
unto  our  God.' 

To  God,  while  flowers  bloom  on  the  bankj 

Or  lambs  sport  on  the  lea  ; 
While  larks  with  morning  hymns  ascend, 

Or  birds  chant  in  the  tree  ; 
To  God  let  every  creature  join 

In  prayer,  and  thanks,  and  praise ; 
Infants,  their  little  anthems  lisp. 

And  hallelujahs  raise  ! 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  91 

125. 

'  Thou  carest  for  all  thy  works.' 

My  God,  by  thy  protecting  power 

I  safe  have  passed  the  night; 
And  pleasant  is  this  morning  hour, 

Which  should  my  praise  incite. 

Most  gracious  guardian  of  my  days, 

To  thee  my  heart  I  owe  ; 
To  thee  ray  earliest  prayers  I  raise, 

And  fervent  they  shall  flow. 

Thou  hast  preserved  my  sleeping  breath 

Secure  from  harm  and  pain  ; 
While  many  an  eye  was  closed  in  death, 

That  ne'er  shall  wake  again. 

O  Lord,  protect  me  till  the  last 

Long  hour  of  rest  is  nigh, 
And  then,  when  death's  dark  sleep  is  past, 

Receive  my  soul  on  high  ! 


126. 

All  the  works  of  the  Lord  are  good,  aud  he  will  give 
every  needful  thing  in  due  season.  And  therefore 
praise  ye  the  Lord  with  your  whole  heart  and 
mouth,  and  bless  the  name  of  the  Lord.' 

O  Father,  though  some  anxious  care 
To-morrow's  clouded  brow  may  wear ; 
Nought  of  disquietude  shall  sway 
My  thoughts  on  this,  thy  holy  day. 


92  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

I  would  not  with  a  listless  mind, 

Or  heart  tc  earth's  low  scenes  inclined. 

To  offer  tliee  a  prayer  pretend, 

With  which  vain  worldly  passions  blend. 

O  deep  upon  my  thankful  breast 
Let  all  thy  mercies  be  imprest  ; 
That  I  may  never  more  forget, 
The  whole  or  any  single  debt. 

Dispose  me  each  revolving  day 
For  all  my  gifts  my  thanks  to  pay ; 
And  let  my  life  devoted  be, 
A  sinless  offering.  Lord,  to  thee  I 


127. 

Before  man  is  life  and  death  ;  and  which  he  chooseth 
shall  be  given  him  ;  for  the  wisdom  of  the  Lord  is 
great.' 

Father,  whate'er  of  earthly  bliss 

Thy  sovereign  will  denies, 
Accepted  at  thy  throne  of  grace 

Let  this  petition  rise. 

Give  me,  O  Lord,  a  thankful  heart, 

From  every  murmur  free  ; 
The  blesssings  of  thy  grace  impart, 

And  let  me  live  to  thee. 

May  the  blest  hope  that  thou  art  mine, 

My  life  and  death  attend  ; 
Thy  presence  through  my  journey  shine, 

And  crown  my  journey's  end. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  9c 

128. 

Blessed  is  he,  whose  conscience  has  not  condemned 
him,  and  who  is  not  fallen  from  his  hope  in  the 
Lord.' 

Our  youthful  years  fleet  quick  away, 

And  time  speeds  on  his  race  ; 
In  vain  we  ask  a  moment's  stay, 

He  lessens  not  his  pace. 

Lord,  make  us  truly  wise  to  learn 

How  very  frail  we  are  ; 
That  we  may  mind  our  great  concern, 

And  for  our  change  prepare  ; 

May  think  of  death  and  learn  to  die 

To  ail  inferior  things  ; 
Whilst  our  glad  souls  aspiring  fly 

To  life's  eternal  springs.  ' 

129. 

*  My  Father  !  thou  art  the  guide  of  my  youth.' 

Lead  us,  Heavenly  Father,  lead  us 
O'er  the  world's  tempestuous  sea ; 
Guard  us,  guide  us,  keep  us,  feed  us., 
For  we  have  no  help  but  thee. 
Still  possessing  every  blessing, 
If  our  God  our  Father  be ! 

Saviour  !  breathe  forgiveness  o'er  us  ; 
All  our  weakness  thou  dost  know  ; 
Thou  didst  tread  this  world  before  us, 
Thou  didst  feel  its  keenest  woe ;     . 


94  HYMNS    FOR    CHILDREN. 

Lone  and  dreary,  weak  and  weary, 
Tlu'ough  the  desert  thou  didst  go  ! 

Spirit  of  our  God,  descending, 
Fill  our  hearts  with  heavenly  joy, 
Love  with  kind  affections  blending, 
Pleasures  time  can  never  cloy. 
Thus  provided,  pardoned,  guided, 
Nothing  shall  our  peace  destroy  ! 

130. 

•'  Forasmuch  as  there  is  none  like  unto  thee,  O  Lord 
thou  »! !  great,  and  thy  name  is  great  in  might.' 

God  ! — what  a  great  and  awful  word  ! 

O  who  can  speak  his  worth  ? 
By  saints  in  heaven  he  is  ador'd, 

And  feared  by  men  on  earth  ; 
And  yet  a  little  child  may  bend, 
And  say,  ray  Father  and  my  Friend  ! 

The  glorious  sun,  that  blazes  high, 
The  moon,  more  pale  and  dim, 

And  all  the  stars  that  fill  the  sky, 
Are  made  and  rul'd  by  him  ; 

And  yet  a  child  may  ask  his  care, 

And  call  upon  his  name  in  prayer ! 

And  this  large  world  of  ours  below, 

The  waters  and  the  land. 
With  all  the  trees  and  flowers  that  grow. 

Were  fashioned  by  his  hand  ; 
Yes,  and  he  forms  our  infant  race, 
And  bids  us  early  seek  his  face. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  95 

131. 

'  For  our  time  is  a  very  shadow  that  passeth  away  ; 

and  after  our  end    there   is   no  returning. Our 

life  shall  pass  away  as  the  trace  of  a  cloud,  and 
be  dispersed  as  a  mist,  that  is  driven  away  by  the 
beams   of  the   sun,    and   overcome   with    tho   heat 

thereof. But  God  created   the  spirit  of  man  to 

be  immortal,  and  made  him  an  image  of  his  own 
eternity.' 

Here  our  brief  and  transient  days 
To  their  end  speed  swiftly  on  ; 
Soon  we  pass  life's  little  space, 
Here  to-day,  to-morrow  gone. 

Lord,  our  humble  prayers  receive, 
Pardon  of  our  sins  renew  ; 
Teach  us  by  thy  grace  to  live 
With  eternity  in  view. 

Bless  thy  word  to  young  and  old; 
Fill  us  with  a  Saviour's  love  ; 
And,  when  life's  short  tale  is  told, 
Take  us  to  thy  bliss  above  ! 

132. 

I  have  seen  the  insects  sporting  in  the  sunshine,  their 
wings  glittered  with  gold  and  purple  ;  their  bodies 
shone  like  green  emeralds.  I  returned  ;  they  were 
brushed  into  the  pool ;  they  were  perishing  with 
the  evening  breeze.'  Jilrs.  Barbauld. 

Poor  insect !  what  a  little  day 

Of  sunny  bliss  is  thine  ! 
And  yet  thou  spread'st  thy  liirht  wings  gay, 

And  spreading,  bidd'st  them  shine. 


96  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Thou  humm'st  thy  short  and  busy  tune, 

Unmindful  of  the  blast ; 
And  careless,  while  'tis  burning  noon, 

How  quick  that  noon  is  past. 

A  shower  would  lay  thy  beauty  low  ; 

A  dew  of  twilight  be 
The  torrent  of  thy  overthrow, 

Thy  storm  of  destiny ! 

Then  spread  thy  little  'broidered  wing. 

Hum  on  thy  busy  lay  ! 
For  soon  thy  beauties  all  will  cease 

Thy  hfe  will  fade  away  ! 

May  I  a  lesson  from  thee  learn 
To  improve  with  all  my  power ; 

And  be  it  here  my  chief  concern 
To  fit  for  life's  last  hour. 


133. 

^  Life  is  but  a  vapour,   which   appeareth  for  a  little 
time,  and  then  vanisheth  away.' 

What  is  our  life  ?  ah  !  but  a  shining  vapour, 
Seen  for  awhile,  then  passing  swift  away ; 

Pleased  with  its  dazzling  form 

We  scarce  can  think  it  frail. 

Yet  there's  another  life,  to  which  this  leads 
If  used  aright,  of  bliss  unmixed  and  pure. 

Its  glory  unobscured, 

Unbounded,  without  end. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  97 

Then  let  ray  heart  and  hopes,  with  new  delight 
And  freshened  vigour,  to  that  life  aspire; 

Tliis  mortal  life  will  soon — 

Ah  !  very  soon, — be  past. 

And  then,  sweet  thought !  imraortal  life  is  mine : 
This  hope  can  gild  with  smiles  the  darkest  scene, 

And  shed  a  holy  calm 

Through  the  enlightened  mind. 


134. 

God  is  every  where — all  places  are  filled  by  his  pre- 
sence.' 

God  is  here ! — how  sweet  the  sound  ! 

All  I  feel  and  all  I  see ; 
Nature  teems,  above,  around, 

With  universal  Deity ! 

Is  there  danger  ?  I'll  not  fear, 

Though  the  death-winged  arrow  fly ; 

I  can  answer — God  is  here, 
And  I  move  beneath  his  eye  ! 

When  I  pray,  he  hears  my  prayer  ; 

When  I  weep,  He  sees  my  grief: 
Do  I  wander.  He  is  there, 

Ready  to  afford  relief. 

Distance  cannot  part  my  soul ; 

Nor  the  morning  in  its  flight. 
Nor  the  widest  seas  that  roll. 

Nor  the  mount  of  greatest  height. 


98  IIVMNS    FOR    CHILDREN. 

Then  I  would  not  spend  a  care. 

Where  my  future  lot  may  lie  ; 
lam  safe,  for  God  is  there, 

And  will  be  forever  by  ! 

135. 

'  I  wish  above  all  things  that  thou  mayest  prosper  even 
as  thy  soul  prospereth Prosperity  and  adver- 
sity, life  and  death,  poverty  and  riches,  corae 
from  the  Lord.' 

Prosperity  !  thy  cloudless  hours 
Are  doubly  bright  when  we  perceive 
Not  only  all  thy  sun  and  flowers, 
Thy  streams,  and  airs,  and  shady  bowers, 
But  Him,  from  whom  we  all  receive. 


136. 

'  The  soul  that  sinneth  shall  perish. — The  righteous 
hath  hope  in  death. — Jesus  Cnrist  hath  brought  life 
and  imraortality  to  light,  through  the  gospel.' 

Since  soul  decays  not,  freed  from  earth, 
And  earthly  coils  it  bursts  away  j — 

Receiving  a  celestial  birth, 

And  spurning  off  its  bonds  of  clay, 

It  soars,  and  seeks  another  sphere, 

And  blooms  through  heaven's  eternal  year. 

Do  good  ;  shun  evil ;  live  not  thou. 

As  if  at  death  thy  being  died  ; 
Nor  error's  syren  voice  allow 

To  draw  thy  steps  from  truth  aside  j 
Look  to  thy  iourney's  end — the  grave  ! 
And  trust  in  Him  whose  arm  can  save. 


HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN.  99 


U7. 

'  0  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  where  is  thy 
victory  ?  The  sting  of  death  is  sin.  But  thanks  be 
unto  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.' 

Weep  not  for  me  because  I  must  die, 
And  sink  in  death's  coldness  to  rest ; 

Weep  not  for  me  becau.se  death  is  nigh, 
I  go  to  the  home  of  the  blest  ! 

It  is  but  a  moment — a  pang — and  no  more — 
A  struggle — and  that  to  be  free  ; 

'Tis  the  spirit's  last  look  on  a  journey  theft's  o'er, 
O,  death  has  no  terrors  for  me. 

Weep  not  for  me,  the  christian  should  fling 
His  frailties  and  fears  to  the  wind  ; 

But  only  in  death,  when  his  spirit  takes  wing, 
Can  he  leave  them  forever  behind. 

Farewell  to  the  world — the  mist  thickens  fast, 
And  cold  is  the  weight  on  my  breast; 

My  moments  are  numbered — another — the  last ; 
I  go  to  the  home  of  the  blest. 

138. 

'■  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,  ye  believe  in  God. 

Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord,  they 
rest  from  their  labours,  and  their  works  do  follow 
them.' 

Sweet  is  the  scene  where  virtue  dies, 
Where  sinks  the  righteous  soul  to  rest ; 
How  mildly  beam  the  closing  eyes  ! 
How  gently  heaves  the  expiring  breast  ! 


100  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

So  fades  the  summer  cloud  away; 
So  sinks  the  gale  when  storms  are  o'er  j 
So  sweetly  shuts  the  eye  of  day  ; 
So  dies  the  wave  along  the  shore. 

A  holy  quiet  reigns  around, 
A  calm  that  nothinir  can  destroy; 
And  undisturbed  the  peace  profound 
Which  their  forgiven  souls  enjoy. 

Its  duty  done,  as  sinks  the  clay, 
Light  from  its  load,  the  spirit  wings  ; 

0  .'  grave,  where  is  thy  victory?  say. 
Insatiate  death,  where  are  thy  stings? 

139. 

<  Cast  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  sustain 
thee  :  he  shall  never  sufler  the  righteous  to  be 
moved.' 

When  gay  in  life,  ere  joys  depart, 
I'll  give  thee.  Lord,  a  contrite  heart : 
O,  on  my  infant  spirit  shed 
Such  hopes  as  cheer  the  dying  bed. 

1  raise  above  my  wondering  eye^. 
And  muse  upon  the  starry  skies ; 
And  think,  that  He  who  governs  there. 
Still  keeps  me  in  his  guardian  care.  ^ 

I  gaze  upon  the  opening  flower, 
Just  moistened  with  the  evening  shower  ; 
And  bless  the  love  which  made  it  bloom, 
And  shed  around  its  soft  perfume. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  101 

I  think,  whene'er  this  mortal  franne 

Returns  again  from  whence  it  came, 

It  will  but  shmiber  in  the  ground, 

'Till  Heaven's  awak'ning  trumpet  sound  :    ^ 

Then  wing  my  spirit's  happy  flight. 

To  regions  of  eternal  light. 

140. 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul !  He  causeth  the  grass  to 
grow — and  the  trees.  He  appointeth  tlie  moon 
for  seasons — the  sun  knoweth  the  time  of  his  going, 
down.  Thou  makest  darkness,  and  it  is  night. 
Praise  the  Lord  from  all  the  earth  :  ye  stormy 
winds,  fulfilling  his  word,  for  his  glory  is  above  the 
earth  and  the  heavens.' 

Nature  owns  thee  for  her  God, 
Living  plant,  and  flowering  sod ; 
Each  fair  thing  thy  power  displays, 
Twilight  hour  and  noontide  rays  ; 
All  we  love  from  thee  is  given. 

Glorious  God  of  earth  and  heaven  ! 

• 

Ocean's  vast  unequalled  force 
Claims  Thee  for  its  mighty  source : 
Thee  the  storm-clad  spirit  hails 
As  he  drives  the  racking  gales  ; 
All  we  fear  from  Thee  is  given, — 
Save  us,  Lord  of  earth  and  heaven  ! 

Thou  hast  formed  a  holier  sphere 
To  reward  our  sufferings  here  ; 
World  of  light,  receive  us  home  ! 
Lasting  pleasure,  quickly  come  I 
All  we  hope  from  Thee  is  given, 
Glorious  God  of  earth  and  heaven  ! 


102  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 


141. 

'  Fear  none  of  these  things,  which  thou  shalt  suffer  ; 
be  thou  faithful  unto  death,  and  I  will  give  thee  a 
crown  of  life.' 

Father,  I  pray  thee,  may  my  heart 
Subdue  each  idle,  sinful  fear ; 
And  may  my  soul,  by  thee  still  taught, 
Tread  firm  the  path  of  duty  here. 

Thy  mercy  bids  all  nature  bloom. 
Thy  sun  shines  bright,  and  we  are  gay ; 
Thine  equal  mercy  sheds  the  gloom 
That  darkens  o'er  our  transient  day. 

Full  many  a  throb  of  grief  and  pain 
Earth's  frail  and  wand'ring  child  must  know; 
But  not  one  prayer  is  breathed  in  vain, 
Nor  does  one  tear  unheeded  flow. 

Thy  various  messengers  employ ; 
Thy  purposes  of  love  fulfil; 
And  mid  the  wreck  of  all  our  joy, 
We,  kneeling,  will  adore  thee  still. 


142. 

The  Lord  hath  made  known  his  salvation,  his  right- 
eousness hath  he  openly  showed. — Serve  the  Lord 
with  gladness; — bow  down  before  him  with  praise.' 

O  Thou,  to  whom  in  ancient  time, 

The  lyre  of  Hebrew  bards  was  strung  ; 

Whom  kings  adored  in  song  sublime. 

And  prophets  praised  with  glowing  tongue  : 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  103 

Not  now,  on  Zion's  height  alone, 

Thy  favoured  worshipper  raay  dwell, 

Nor  where,  at  sultry  noon,  thy  Son 
Sat,  weary,  by  the  Patriarch's  well. 

From  every  place  below  the  skies, 

The  grateful  song,  the  fervent  prayer — 

The  incense  of  the  heart — may  rise 
To  heaven,  and  find  acceptance  there. 

To  thee,  shall  age,  with  snowy  hair. 

And  strength  and  beauty,  bend  the  knee. 

And  childhood  lisp,  with  reverent  air, 
Its  praises  and  its  prayers  to  Thee. 


143. 

'Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart,  for  they  shall  see 
God.' 


O  !  to  be  pure  as  morning  light, 

First  issuing  from  the  sun's  bright  spring  5 

Ere  it  be  sullied  in  its  flight 

By  touch  of  any  earthly  thing. 

O  !  for  an  angePs  soul  of  fire, 
To  tread  the  path  by  angels  trod  ^ 
Through  endless  ages  to  aspire. 
Nearer  the  eternal  throne  of  God. 

Poor  are  my  words,  and  weak  my  strain, 
His  boundless  mercy  to  repay  ; 
But  I  shall  raise  my  song  again, 
With  nobler  powers  some  future  day  ! 


104  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN, 

144. 


'  By  wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  all. — Who  by 
searching  can  find  out  the  Almighty  unto  perfec- 
tion ? — This  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for  me  : 
it  is  high,  I  cannot  attain  unto  it.' 

Hove  to  rove  amidst  the  starry  height, 
To  leave  the  litlle  scenes  of  earth  behind, 
And  let  imagination  wing  her  flight — 
On  eagle  pinions  swifter  than  the  wind. 
I  love  the  planets  in  their  course  to  trace ; 
To  mark  the  comets  speeding  to  the  sun, 
Then  launch  into  immeasurable  space, 
Where,  lost  to  human  sight,  remote  they  run. 
I  love  to  view  the  moon,  when  high  she  rides 
Amidst  the  heavens,  in  borrowed  lustre  bright : 
To  fathom  how  she  rules  the  subject  tides, 
And  how  she  gathers  from  the  sun  her  light. 
O  !  these  are  wonders  of  the  Almighty  hand. 
Whose  wisdom  first  the  circling  orbits  planned. 

145. 

'  The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness  thereof. — He 
gave  to  the  sea  his  decree,  that  the  waters  should 
not  pass  his  commandment. — And  God  made  two 
great  lights  ;  the  greater  light  to  rule  the  day,  and 
the  lesser  light  to  rule  the  night.' 

I  praised  the  earth  in  beauty  seen 
With  garlands  dressed  and  living  green  : 
I  praised  the  ocean's  broad  expanse 
Whose  bright  waves  ever  ceaseless  dance  : 
And  earth  and  ocean  seemed  to  say, 
"  Our  glories  are  but  for  a  day.'' 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  105 

I  praised  the  sun  whose  chariot  rolled 
'Mongst  clouds  of  amber  and  of  gold : 
I  praised  the  moon,  whose  softer  e^'e 
Shed  milder  radiance  through  the  sky  : 
And  sun  and  moon  both  seemed  to  say 
"  Our  hours  of  light  will  pass  away." 

O,  God  !  thou  ^ood  beyond  compare, 
If  thus  thy  earthly  works  are  fair, 
If  thus  thy  glories  gild  the  land 
On  this  our  earth  for  sinful  man, 
How  glorious  must  those  mansions  be, 
Inhabited  by  saints  and  Thee  ! 


146. 

I  have  seen  the  insect,  being'  come  to  its  full  size, 
languish  and  refuse  to  eat  ;  it  spun  itself  a  torab, 
and  was  shrouded  in  the  silken  cone  ;  it  lay,  with- 
out feet,  or  shape,  or  power  to  move.  I  looked 
again  ;  it  had  burst  the  tomb,  it  was  full  of  life, 
and  sailed  on  coloured  wings  through  the  soft  air, 
rejoicing  in  its  new  being. -r-Thus  shall  it  be  with 
thee  ;  beauty  shall  spring  from  thy  ashes,  and  life 
from  thy  dust.'  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

The  shades  of  night  were  scarcely  fled. 
The  air  was  mild,  the  winds  were  still, 

And  bright  the  rising  sunbeams  spread 
O'er  wood  and  lawn,  o'er  heath  and  hill. 

From  fleecy  clouds  of  pearly  hue 

Had  dropped  a  light  and  balmy  shower ; 

That  hung  like  gems  of  morning  dew 
On  every  tree  and  every  flower. 


106  HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREJ,. 

When  bursting  forth  to  life  and  light, 
The  offspring  of  enraptured  May; 

A  butterfly  on  pinions  bright, 

Launched  in  full  splendour  on  the  day. 

Her  slender  form,  etherial,  light, 
Her  velvet-textured  wings  enfold, 

With  all  the  rainbow's  colours  bright, 
And  dropped  with  spots  of  burnished  gold. 

She  balanced  oft  those  'broidered  wings, 
Through  fields  of  air  prepared  to  sail ; 

Then  on  her  venturous  journey  springs, 
And  floats  along  the  rising  gale. 

Go,  child  of  pleasure,  range  the  fields, 
Taste  all  the  joys  that  spring  can  give; 

Partake  what  bounteous  summer  yields, 
And  live  while  yet  'tis  thine  to  live. 


SECOND   PART. 

Go,  sip  the  rose's  fragrant  dew, 
The  lily's  honpy'd  cup  explore ; 

From  flower  to  flower  the  search  renew, 
And  rifle  all  the  woodbine's  store  : 

And  let  me  trace  thy  wandering  flight, 
Thy  moments  watch  of  short  repose  ; 

And  mark  thee  with  renewed  delight 
Thy  golden  pinions  ope  and  close. 

But  hark,  while  here  I  musing  stand, 
Pours  on  the  gale  an  airy  note  : 


HVMN3  FOR  CHILDREN.  107 

And,  whispered  by  a  viewless  band 
Soft  silvery  tones  around  me  float ! 

They  cease — A  voice  i  seem  to  hear, 
A  gcnlle  voice  of  hope  and  joy  : — 

*  Thy  hour  of  rest  approaches  near, 

<  Prepare  thee,  mortal ! — thou  must  die  ! 

^  Yet  start  not  ! — on  thy  closing  eyes 
'  Another  dny  shall  soon  unfold  ; 

•  A  sun  of  milder  radiance  rise, 

'  A    happier  age  of  Joys  untold. 


rnir.D  part. 

.Shall  the  poor  worm  that  shocks  thy  sight, 
^  Tiie  humblest  form  in  nature's  train, 
^  Thus  rise  in  new-born  lustre  bright, 
'  And  yet  her  lesson  teach  in  vain  ? 

'  Ah  !  where  were  once  her  brilliant  eyes  ? 

*  Her  glittering  wings  of  purple  pride  ? 

•  Concealed  beneath  a  rude  disguise, 

*  A  shapeless  mass,  to  earth  allied. 

•  Like  thee  the  hapless  reptile  lived, 

'  Like  thee  he  toiled,  like  thee  he  spun. 
'  Like  thine  his  closing  hour  arrived, 

*  His  labour  ceased,  his  web  was  done. 

•  And  shalt  thou,  numbered  with  the  dead, 

'  No  happier  state  of  being  know  ? 
And  shall  no  future  morrow  shed 
-  On  \hf^^  a  beam  of  brighter  glow  ? 


108  HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN. 

*Is  it  the  bound  of  Power  Divine, 
^  To  animate  an  insect  frame  ? 

*  Or  shall  not  he,  who  moulded  thine. 

^  Wake  at  his  will  the  vital  flame  ? 

'  Go,  mortal  !  in  thy  lowly  state 

*  Enough  to  know  thy  mind  is  given  ; 

*  Go,  and  this  joyful  truth  relate, 

'  A  child  of  earth  is  heir  of  heaven  !' 

147. 

*  The  grass  withereth,  and  the  flower  fadeth. 

Sweet  violet,  thou  that  dwellest  alone, 

Near  the  foot  of  yon  moss-covered  hill  ; 
By  solitude  fostered,  how  fair  thou  art  blown, 
Now  the  wild  storms  of  winter  are  over  and 
gone. 
And  the  scene  all  around  thee  is  still. 

The  sun-beams  of  evening  now  rest  on  thy  bed, 
The  wild  bee  is  humming  around  ; 

Whilst  thou,  unassuming,  still  hidest  thy  head  ; 

But,  ah !    though  so  lovely,  ere  spring  shall 
have  fled. 
Thy  graces  will  fall  to  the  ground. 

Our  life  is  like  thine  :  though  in  spring-time  it 
blooms. 
Yet  full  soon  it  will  see  a  decline ! — 
But  its  splendour,  with  increase,  at  length  it 

resumes ; 
It  revives  when  the  day  of  eternity  comes, 
In  verdure  immortal  to  shine  ! 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  109 

148. 

'  0  worship  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness.  Teach 
me,  O  Lord,  the  way  of  thy  commandments.  Give 
me  understanding,  and  I  shall  keep  thy  law  }  yea, 
I  shall  observe  it  with  my  whole  heart.' 

O,  come  and  learn  this  kind  command, 
To  fear  the  Lord  your  God  ;  . 

Love  him  with  all  your  heart  and  mind 
And  speak  his  praise  abroad. 

Soon  as  your  earthly  days  began, 
They  all  were  crowned  with  love  ; 

And  every  blessing  you  receive, 
Is  sent  you  from  above. 

Let  your  first  thoughts  by  morning  light 

Ascend  to  God  on  high  ; 
iVnd  in  the  evening  raise  your  prayer, 

To  him  who  rules  the  sky. 

149. 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  meditations  of 
my  heart  be  acceptable  to  thee,  0  Lord,  my  strength, 
and  my  Redeemer.' 

This  is  the  sum  of  every  part ; 

To  love  thee.  Lord  !  with  all  my  heart, 

With  all  my  soul,  with  all  my  might, 

And  in  thy  service  to  delight  : 

That  I  should  love  my  neighbours  too. 

And  what  1  wish  from  them,  should  do. 

How  short  these  rules,  how  good  and  plain, 
Kasv  to  leain  and  to  retain  ! 


110  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREiV. 

O  may  heaven's  grace  my  soul  renewj 
And  I  pure  holiness  pursue  : 
To  God  my  constant  worship  pay, 
And  all  his  sacred  laws  obey  ! 

If  to  afflict  me  be  his  will, 
I'll  bear  it  with  submission  still ; 
A  tender  Father  sure  he  proves, 
Who  but  corrects  because  he  loves  : 
For  sure  'tis  fit  my  soul  should  know, 
He  is  my  Lord  and  Maker  too. 

His  word  wiih  diligence  I'll  hear. 
To  him  present  my  daily  prayer ; 
And  while  new  mercies  I  implore. 
For  blessings  past  I  will  adore : 
O  !  my  whole  life  shall  here  express 
A  heart  impressed  with  thankfulness. 

150. 

'  Thou,  even  thou,  art  Lord  alone  ;  thou  hast  made 
the  heaven,  the  heaven  of  heavens,  with  all  their 
host,  the  earth  and  all  things  that  are  therein,  tlie 
seas  and  all  that  is  therein,  and  thou  preservest 
them  all.'  \ 

O  God  !  thy  goodness  fills  all  space, 

Thy  glory  warms  the  world  ; 
Thy  attributes  I  joy  to  trace 

In  every  leaf  unfurled. 

O  what  can  live,  or  breathe,  or  move, 

Unless  by  thee  still  blest ; 
Thy  very  chastisements  are  love, 

And  sufferers  know  thee  best. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  Ill 

Through   earth,    through  air,   through   sea, 
and  sky, 

Are  blessings  freely  poured ; 
And  thy  refulgent  Deity 

In  all  shaft  be  adored. 

Though  thunders  roll,  and  lightnings  blaze, 

And  we  are  by  them  awed  ; 
Yet  thou  alone  coramandest  praise, 

For  thou  alone  art  God  ! 


151. 

0  Lord,  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all 
the  earth  !  who  hast  set  thy  glory  above  the  hea- 
vens !  Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord  !' 

Who  gave  the  sun  his  noon-day  light  ? 
Who  taught  the  moon  to  shine  by  night  ? 
Whose  hand  the  arch  of  heaven  unrolled, 
Thick  set  with  stars  like  drops  of  gold  ? 

Who  gave  the  winds  their  course  to  know  ? 
The  ocean  tides  to  ebb  and  flow  ? 
And  day  and  night  to  keep  their  bounds 
And  changing  seasons  know  their  rounds  ? 

Could  man  conceive  the  vast  design  ? 
Could  he  the  grand  machine  combine? 
Stretch  out  his  hand  from  pole  to  pole, 
And  bid  earth  on  her  centre  roll  ? 

Could  man  with  all  his  skill  compose 
The  humblest  blade  of  grass  that  grows  ? 


112  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Or  by  his  will  ordain  to  be 
The  smallest  insect  that  we  see  ? 

'Tvvas  God  who  gave  creation  birth, 
Who  formed  this  wondVous  globe  of  earth, 
And  breathed  throughout  tiiis  mighty  whole 
The  likeness  of  a  living  soul. 

Bow  then  to  God— O  all  that  live  ! 
To  God  eternal  praises  give  ! 
Who  fashioned  by  his  mighty  hand, 
Sun,  moon,  and  stars ;  the  sea  and  land. 

152. 

'  For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again, 
even  so  them  also,  which  sleep  in  Jesus,  will  Qod 

bring  with  him. The  wages  of  sin  is  death  :  but 

the  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jesus  Christ 

our  Lord. Though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of 

the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil.' 

The  hour  of  my  departure's  come ; 
I  hear  the  voice  that  calls  me  home. 
And  now  will  earthly  troubles  cease, 
And  now  shall  1  depart  in  peace. 

I  leave  the  world  without  a  tear, 
Save  for  the  friends  I  hold  so  dear  j 
To  heal  their  sorrows,  Lord  !  descend, 
And  prove  to  them  a  present  friend. 

Here  busy  life,  here  folly  ends. 
The  tie  of  kindred  and  of  friends ; 
Here  ends  probation's  hour,  and  here 
Yirtue's  hard  strife  with  sin  and  care. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  113 

The  race  appointed  I  have  run  5 
The  combat's  o'er,  the  prize  is  won; 
And  now  my  witness  is  on  high, 
And  now  my  record's  in  the  sky. 

153. 

'  Unto  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  soul.  The  path 
of  the  just  is  as  a  shining  light,  that  shineth  mora 
and  more  unto  the  perfect  day.' 

May  our  first  dawn  of  reason  rise 
To  Thee,  O  God,  !  in  sacrifice, 
And  our  young  minds  and  mem'ries  be 
Here  trained  to  early  piety. 

May  we,  prepared  for  serious  thought, 
By  Jesus'  pure  example  taught, 
Be  led  in  early  life  to  see 
And  seek  our  happiness  in  thee. 

O  may  our  hearts  and  following  days 
Be  all  devoted  to  thy  praise  ; 
Our  tempers  and  our  lives  still  show, 
That  grace  hath  formed  our  souls  anew. 


154. 

*  The  word  of  the  Lord  remaineth  forever.' 

The  morning  flowers  display  their  sweets, 
And  gay  their  silken  leaves  unfold. 
As  careless  of  the  noon-day  heats, 
And  fearless  of  the  evening  cold. 

k2 


114  HYMNS   FOR  CHILDREN. 

Nipp'd  by  the  winds  unkindly  blast, 
Parch'd  by  the  sun's  directer  ray, 
The  momentary  glories  waste  ; 
The  short-lived  beauties  die  away. 
So  blooms  the  human  face  divine, 
When  youth  its  pride  and  beauty  shows  j 
Fairer  than  spring  the  colours  shine, 
And  sweeter  than  the  op'ning  rose. 
Or  worn  by  slowly  rolling  years, 
Or  broke  by  sickness  in  a  day, 
The  fading  glory  disappears. 
The  short-lived  beauties  die  away. 
Yet  these  new  rising  from  the  tomb, 
With  lustre  brighter  far  shall  shine, 
Revive  with  ever-during  bloorn. 
Safe  from  diseases  and  decline. 
Though  sickness  blast,  and  doath  devour, 
Yet  heaven  will  recompense  our  pains; 
The  grass  may  perish  and  the  flower, 
But  firm  the  word  of  God  remains. 

155. 

'  Remember  me,  0  God  !  and  spare  me  according  to 

the  greatness  of  thy  mercy. God  looketh  to  the 

ends  of  the  earth,  and  seeth  under  the  whole  hea- 
ven ;  to  make  the  weight  of  the  winds  ;  and  he 
ireigheth  the  water  by  measure,  when  he  made  a 
decree  for  the  rain,  and  a  way  for  the  lightning  of 
the  thunder. 

Let  guilty  souls  impressed  with  fear, 

When  storms  are  raging  nigh. 
Dread  the  sharp  lightning  as  it  darts 

In  thunder  through  the  sky. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  115 

Protected  by  that  hand,  whose  law 

The  threatening  storms  obey  ; 
Intrepid  virtue  smiles  serene, 

As  in  the  sun's  bright  ray. 

In  the  dark  cloud's  o'ershadowing  gloomy 

The  hghtning's  vivid  glare, 
It  views  the  same  all-gracious  power. 

That  sheds  the  vernal  air. 

Through  nature's  ever-varying  scene, 

By  different  ways  pursued. 
The  great  eternal  will  of  heaven 

Is  universal  good. 

156. 

Keep  thy  heart  with  all  diligence — for  the  ways  of 
man  are  before  the  Lord.  Great  is  he  that  findeth 
wisdom  I  yet  is  there  none  above  him  that  feareth 
the  Lord.' 

I'll  bless  Jehovah's  glorious  name, 

Whose  goodness  heaven  and  earth  proclaim, 

With  every  morning  light ; 
And  at  the  close  of  every  day. 
To  him  my  cheerful  homage  pay, 

Who  guards  me  through  the  night. 

And  in  his  churches  to  appear, 
And  pay  my  humble  worship  there, 

Shall  be  my  sweet  employ  ; 
The  day,  that  saw  my  Saviour  rise, 
Shall  dawn  on  my  delighted  eyes 

With  pure  and  holy  joy. 


1 16  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 


157. 

'  Thus  speaketh  the  Lord  of  hosts,  saying, — execute 
true  judgment,  and  show  mercy  and  compassion 
every  man  to  his  brother  :  and  oppress  not  the 
widow,  nor  the  fatherless,  the  stranger,  nor  the 
poor  ;  and  let  none   of  you   imagine  evil    against 

his  brother  in  your  heart. Defend  the  poor  and 

fatherless  ;  do  justice  to  the  afflicted  and  needy.' 

Go,  like  your  blessRd  Saviour,  feed  the  poor, 
And  carry  comfort  to  the  sick  man's  door ; 
Pity  the  widow,  be  the  orphan's  friend, 
And,  if  you  cannot  give  them,  freely  lend. 

Think  of  your  heavenly  Father's  love  to  you, 
And  imitate  that  love  in  all  you  do  ; 
Mercy  shall  then  your  youthful  steps  attend. 
And  from  the  stings  of  death  your  soul  defend. 

For  you  the  poor  man's  prayers  shall  reach  to 

Heaven, 
And  blessings  in  return  to  you  be  given  ; 
And  when  the  righteous  judge  from  heaven 

descends, 
Before  the  world  he'll  own  you  for  his  friends. 


158. 

He  that  keepeth  thee  shall  neither  slumber  nor  sleep. 
He  shall  give  his  angels  charge  to  keep  thee  ' 

Our  Father,  yield  an  evening  blessing 
Ere  repose  our  senses  seal  ; 
Sin  and  want,  we  come,  confessing, 
Thou  canst  save,  and  thou  canst  heal ; 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  117 

Though  destruction  walk  around  us, 
Though  the  arrow  past  us  fly, 
Angel-guards  from  thee  surround  us, 
We  are  safe,  for  thou  art  nigh. 

Though  the  night  be  dark  and  dreary, 
Darkness  hides  not  us  from  thee  ; 
Thou  art  never,  never  weary — 
Watching  where  thy  children  be  : 
And  should  death  this  night  overtake  us, 
And  our  couch  become  our  tomb ; 
May  the  morn  in  heaven  awake  us, 
In  thy  presence,  Lord  !  to  bloom. 

159. 

Thou  art  the  Lord,  the  mighty  God  ; — thou  earnest 
down  upon  Mount  Sinai — and  gavest  right  judg- 
ments, and  true  laws,  good  statutes,  and  com- 
mandments ; — and  madest  known  thy  holy  sab- 
bath.  Now,  therefore,  make  confession  unto  the 

Lord  God,  and  do  his  pleasure.' 

Safely  through  another  week 

God  has  brought  us  on  our  way ; 
Let  us  now  a  blessing  seek 

On  the  approaching  Sabbath-day  : 
Pay  of  all  the  week  the  best, 
Emblem  of  eternal  rest. 

Mercies  multiplied  each  hour, 

Through  our  lives  our  praise  demand  ; 

Guarded  by  Almighty  Power, 
Fed  and  guided  by  God's  hand  : 

Though  ungrateful  we  have  been — 

Frequent  made  returns  of  sin, — 


118  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN^ 

Lord  we  pray  for  pard'ning  grace, 
In  our  dear  Redeemer  s  name ; 

Sin  remove,  and  in  its  place 
Virtue's  pure,  unsullied  flame 

Raise,  and  from  our  sin's  set  free. 

May  we  rest  this  night  with  thee. 


160. 

Be  filled  with  the  spirit  ;  speaking  to  yourselves  in 
psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiritual  songs,  singing 
and  making  melody  in  your  heart  to  the  Lord  ; 
giving  thanks  always  for  all  things  unto  God.— 
Praise  ye  the  Lord.' 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high, — 
God,  whose  glory  fills  the  sky,— - 
Lift  your  voices,  children  all. 
Praise  the  God  on  whom  ye  call. 

Praise,  still  praise,  his  name  divine, 
Praise  him  at  the  hallowed  shrine, 
In  your  humble  hearts  adore. 
Praise  his  goodness  and  his  power. 

Children,  all  your  earthly  days, 
Learn  the  sweetest  notes  to  raise ; 
Sing  his  name  with  one  consent, 
O  how  great,  how  excellent  ! 

Ye,  who  vital  breath  enjoy. 

In  his  praise  that  breath  employ, 

In  united  chorus  join, 

Praise,  still  praise,  his  name  divine. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  119 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high, — 
God,  whose  glory  fills  the  sky  5 
Songs  by  all  be  freely  given 
To  the  Lord  of  earth  and  heaven. 

161. 

Let  brotherly   love   continue. Behold  how   good 

and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  togeth- 
er in  unity  ! And  Jesus  said,  This  is  my  com- 
mandment unto  you,  that  ye  love  one  another — 
and  by  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  dis- 
ciples, if  ye  love  one  another. Let  your  love  be 

without  dissimulation.  Abhor  that  which  is  evil  ; 
cleave  to  that  which  is  good.  Be  kindly  affection- 
cd  one  to  another,  with  brotherly  love,  in  honour 
preferring  one  another.' 

How  good  and  pleasant  is  the  sight 

Where  kindred  souls  agree  ; 
How  blest  the  house  where  hearts  unite 

In  bands  of  piety. 

All  in  their  proper  stations  move, 

And  each  fulfils  his  part, 
In  every  care  of  life  and  love, 

With  sympathising  heart. 

Yes,  happy  are  the  sons  of  peace  ; 

Their  hearts  and  hopes  are  one ; 
And  kind  designs  to  serve  and  please 

Through  all  their  actions  run. 

Mild  peace,  like  morning  dew,  distils 

Its  blessings  from  above ; 
With  grateful  joy  each  bosom  fills, 

And  every  heart  is  love. 


120  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 


162. 


*  Behold  God  exalteth  by   his   power. Remember 

that  thou  magnify  his  works.' 

Thou  didst  make  the  darksome  night, 

Glorious  Being  !  thou  the  day, 
Which  we  close  with  calm  delight, 

Pleased  thy  precepts  to  obey. 

Bounteous  Providence  divine ! 

O  how  gracious  is  thy  sway ! 
Duty  and  delight  combine; 

Truest  bliss  is  to  obey. 

163. 

When  I  consider  the  heavens  the  work  of  thy  fingers, 
the  moon  and  stars  which  thou  hast  ordained,  what 
is  man  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  ?' 

When  musing,  I  behold  on  high 
Those  starry  orbs  that  deck  the  sky 

At  evening  hour  serene  : 
How  vain  is  art's  most  gaudy  show, 
How  trivial  all  things  here  below, 

Compared  with  such  a  scene  ! 

I'll  bid  adieu  to  noisy  mirth, 

To  trifling  follies  which  give  birth 

To  many  a  restless  night ; 
I'll  leave  the  assemblies  of  the  gay 
And  with  superior  joy  survey 

Those  distant  worlds  of  light. 


HYMXS    FOR    CHILDREN.  121 

By  them,  thy  glory,  Lord,  is  told  : 
What  wonders  all  thy  works  unfold 

In  every  age  and  clime ! 
What  useful  lessons  they  convey  ! 
How  constantly  to  all  display 

Thy  power  and  love  divine  ! 

Then  may  I  listen  to  their  voice, 
Make  wisdom's  ways  my  early  choice, 

As  through  life's  path  I  go  : 
Nor  would  I  e'er  forget  that  love. 
That  sent  a  Saviour  from  above 

To  save  from  sin  and  wo. 

164. 

Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy-laden, 
and  I  will  give  you  rest.  Take  my  yoke  upon  you, 
and  learn  of  me,  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart, 
and  ye  shall  find  rest  to  your  souls.  For  my  yoke 
is  easy  and  my  burthen  is  light.' 

Come,  said  Jesus'  sacred  voice, 
Come,  and  make  my  paths  your  choice  5 
I  will  guide  you  to  your  home  5 
Weary  pilgrim  !  hither  come. 

Thou,  who  houseless,  sole,  forlorn, 
Long  hast  borne  the  proud  world's  scorn. 
Long  hast  roamed  the  barren  waste, 
Weary  pilgrim  !  hither  haste. 

Ye,  who  tost  on  beds  of  pain. 
Seek  for  ease,  but  seek  in  vain  ; 
Ye,  whose  swoll'n  and  sleepless  eye?. 
AV^atch  to  see  the  mornine  rise  : 


1^2  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Ye,  by  fiercer  anguish  torn, 
In  remorse  for  guilt  who  mourn, 
On  God  repose  your  heavy  care ; — 
Conscience  wounded,  who  can  bear ! 

Sinner,  come,  for  here  is  found 
Balm  that  flows  for  every  wound  ; 
Peace  that  ever  shall  endure, 
Rest  eternal,  sacred,  sure. 

165. 

'  Sweet  are  the  uses   of  adversity. 1   spake  unto 

thee  in  thy  prosperity,  but  thou  obeyedst  not  my 
voice,  saith  the  Lord.' 

Oh !  whence  is   the  freshness  that  gives  the 
flower 

Its  scent  and  its  summer  hue  ? 
It  came  in  the  dark  and  the  midnight  hour, 

In  drops  of  heavenly  dew  ; 
So,  often  in  sorrow,  the  soul  receives 

An  influence  from  above. 
That  beauty,  and  freshness,  and    sweetness 
gives 

To  patience,  and  faith,  and  love. 

But  the  sun  rises  high,  and  the  dew  is  dry, 

And  the  flower  has  lost  its  bloom ; 
Its  bell  droops  low,  and  the  passer-by 

Inhales  no  sweet  perfume  ; 
So,  like  again  to  the  drooping  flower 

In  the  sunshine  of  fortune's  ray, 
The  virtues  that  bloomed  in  a  darksome  hour 

Have  faded  and  passed  away. 


HTKKS  FOR  CHILDKEN.  133 

166. 

'  Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the  Fa- 
ther is  this.,  to  visit  the  fatherless  and  widows  in 
their  affliction,  and  to  keep  himself  unspotted  from 
the  world.' 

Lord,  while  on  earth  we  here  remtiin, 
Wilt  thou  our  feeble  souls  sustain, 
And  on  our  path  in  mercy  shine, 
And  shield  us  by  thy  power  divine. 

And  noay  we  prize  our  youthful  days, 
And  with  true  diligence  apply 
Our  hearts  to  wisdom's  sacred  ways, 
That  we  may  learn  to  live  and  die. 

167. 

*  The  works  of  the  Lord  are  great,  and  his  righteous- 
ness endureth  forever.  He  hath  made  his  wonder- 
ful works  to  be  remembered.' 

Night  has  dropped  her  dusky  veil — 

All  vain  thoughts  be  distant  far, 
While,  with  silent  awe,  we  hail 

Flora's  radiant  evening  star.  * 

See  to  life  her  beauties  start ; 

Hail !  thou  glorious,  matchless  flower  ! 

*  The  night-flowering  Cereus.  The  flower  is  white, 
and  nearly  a  foot  in  diameter.  The  most  remarkable 
circumstances  with  regard  to  the  Cereus  is  the  short 
time  it  takes  to  expand,  and  the  rapidity  with  which 
it  decays.  It  begins  to  open  late  in  the  evening, 
flourishes  for  an  hour  or  two,  then  droops,  and  before 
morning  is  completely  dead. 


124  HYMNS    FOR    CHILDREN. 

Much  thou  sayest  to  tlie  heart 
In  thy  solemn,  fleeting  hour. 

Ere  we  have  our  homage  paid, 

Thou  wilt  bow  thy  head  and  die  ; — 

Thus  our  sweetest  pleasurps  fade, 
Thus  our  brightest  blessings  fly. 

Sorrow's  rnjjged  stem,  like  thine, 
Bears  a  flower  thus  purely  bright; 

Thus,  when  sunny  hours  decline, 
Friendship  sheds  her  cheering  light. 

Religion,  too,  that  heavenly  flower, 
That  joy  of  never  fading  worth. 

Waits,  like  th^e^  the  darkest  hour, 
Then  puts  all  her  glories  forth. 

Then  thy  beauties  are  surpassed, 

Splendid  flower,  that  bloom'st  to  die  ! 

For  friendship  and  religion  last 
When  the  morning  beams  on  high. 

168. 

<  Call  the  Sabbath  a  delight.* 

There  is  a  time  when  moments  flow 
More  happily  than  all  beside  ; 
It  is,  of  all  the  times  below, 
A  sabbath  at  the  even  tide. 

O.  then  the  setting  sun  shines  fair, 
And  all  below,  and  all  above, 
The  various  f<ums  of  nature  wear 
One  universal  garb  of  love. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  12S 

And  then  the  peace  that  Jesus  brought, 
The  life  of  grace  eternal  beams, 
And  we  by  his  example  taught 
Will  prize  the  life  his  love  redeems. 

Delightful  scene  ! — a  world  at  rest — 
A  God  all  love — no  grief,  no  fear — 
A  heavenly  hope — a  peaceful  breast — 
A  smile  unsullied  by  a  tear ! 

Delightful  hour  !  how  soon  will  night 
Spread  sombre  darkness  o'er  thy  reign, 
And  morrow's  quick  returning  light 
Must  call  us  to  the  world  again. 

Yet  there  will  be  at  last  a  day,— 
A  sun  that  never  sets  shall  rise ; 
Night  will  not  veil  the  ceaseless  ray  ! 
The  heavenly  sabbath  never  dies ! 


169. 

I  will  remember  the  works  of  the  Lord,  surely  I  will 
remember  his  wondeis.' 


How  manifold  thy  works,  O  Lord, 
In  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness,  wrought ! 
The  earth  is  with  thy  riches  stored. 
And  ocean  with  thy  wonders  fraught: 
Unfathomed  caves,  beneath  the  deep, 
For  thee  their  hidden  treasures  keep. 

There  go  tlie  ships,  with  sails  unfurled. 
By  Thee  directed  in  their  way ; 

.l2 


126  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

There  in  his  own  mysterious  world, 
Levi-Jthan  delights  to  play  : 
And  tribes  that  range  immensity, 
Unknown  to  us,  are  known  to  Thee. 

By  Thee  alone,  the  living  live ; 
Hide  but  thy  face,  their  comforts  fly; 
They  gather  what  thy  seasons  give  ; 
Take  thou  away  their  breath,  they  die : 
Send  forth  thy  Spirit  from  above, 
And  all  again  is  life  and  love. 

170. 


*  We-spcnd  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is   told. Keep 

thy  heart  with  all  diligence,  for  out   of  it  are  the 

issues  of  life. Wake  in  wisdom,  redeeming  the 

time.' 

Seconds  make  minutes,  minutes  form  the  hours, 
And  circMng  hours  the  day  and  night  compose ; 
Days   form    the   week,  and   months  the   weeks 

devour. 
And  to  the  months  the  year  its  fulness  owes. 
Yet  seconds,  minutes,  hours,  we  throw  away, 
And  heed  not  Time  that  wings  his  rapid  flight; 
In  folly  we  consume  the  fleeting  day, 
In  lengthened  slumbers  waste  returning  night ; 
And  weeks  flow  on,  and  months,  and  seasons  too, 
And  years  are  lost  as  if  too  light  to  prize ; 
And  as  we  older  grow,  alas  !  how  (ew 
Grow  with  their  years  more  diligently  wise  ; 
And  yet  that  life  is  short  we  all  complain, 
With  days,  weeks^  months  and  years,  all  spent  in 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  V2T 


171. 

'  The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  firma- 
ment showeth  his  handy  work.' 

Thy  glory,  Lord,  the  heavens  declare, 
The  firmament  displays  thy  skill ; 

The  changing  clouds,  the  viewless  air, 
Tempest  and  calm  thy  word  fulfil : 

Day  unto  day  doth  utter  speech, 

And  night  to  night  thy  knowledge  teach. 

Though  voice  nor  sound  inform  the  ear, 
Well  known  the  language  of  their  song; 

When  one  by  one  the  stars  appear, 
Led  by  the  silent  moon  along : 

Till  round  the  earth  from  all  the  sky, 

Thy  beauty  beams  on  every  eye. 

172. 

'  Praise  the  Lord  ;    for  it  is  good  to  sing  praises 
unto  Him.' 

O  my  soul,  with  all  thy  powers. 
Bless  the  Lord's  most  holy  name ; 

O  my  soul,  till  life's  last  hours. 

Bless  the  Lord,  his  praise  proclaim  : 

Thine  infirmities  he  healed — 

He  thy  peace  and  pardon  sealed. 

Mark  the  field-flower  where  it  groweth 

Frail  and  beautiful ; — anon, 
When  the  south-wind  softly  bloweth, 

Look  again, — the  flower  is  gone. 


128  HYMNS    FOR    CHILDREN. 

Such  is  man  :  his  honours  pass 
Like  the  glory  of  the  grass. 

From  eternity,  enduring 

To  eternity, — the  Lord, 
Still  his  people's  bliss  insuring, 

Keeps  his  covenanted  word  : 
Yea,  with  truth  and  righteousness 
Children's  children  he  will  bless. 

As  in  heaven,  his  throne  and  dwelling, 
King  on  earth  he  holds  his  sway  ; 

Angels,  ye  in  strength  excelling, 
Bless  the  Lord,  his  voice  obey  : 

All  his  works  beneath  the  pole, 

Bless  the  Lord,  with  thee,  my  soul. 

173. 

'  Let  your  conversation  be  without  covetoiisness  ;  and 
be  content  with  such  things  as  ye  have  :  for  God 
has  said,  1  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee. 

Godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain,  for 

we  brought  nothing  with  us  into  the  world,  and  it 
is  certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out  ;  and  having 
food  and  raiment,  let  us  therewith  be  content.' 

If  solid  happiness  we  prize, 
Within  our  breasts  this  jewel  lies ; 

Unwise  are  they  who  roam  ; 
The  world  has  nothing  to  bestow, 
'Tis  from  ourselves  our  joys  must  flow, 

And  peace  begins  at  home. 

We'll  therefore  relish  with  content 
Whate'er  kind  providence  hath  sent, 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  129 

Nor  aim  beyond  our  power ; 
And  if  our  store  of  wealth  be  small, 
With  thankful  hearts  enjoy  it  all, 

Nor  lose  the  present  hour. 

Thus  crown'd  with  peace,  through  life  we'll  go  ; 
Its  varied  paths  of  joy  and  wo 

With  cautious  steps  we'll  tread  ; 
Quit  its  vain  scenes  without  a  tear, 
Without  a  trouble  or  a  fear, 

And  mingle  with  the  dead. 

174. 

Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night  unto  night 
showeth  knowledge.' 

My  God  !  all  nature  owns  thy  sway ; 
Thou  giv'st  the  night  and  shining  day  : 
When  all  thy  fair  creation  wakes. 
When  morn  with  golden  lustre  breaks. 
And  bathes  in  dew  the  budding  flowers, 
To  thee  we  owe  the  fragrant  hours  ; 
And  when  she  pours  her  choral  song. 
Her  melodies  to  thee  belong. 

Or  when  in  paler  tints  arrayed, 
The  evening  slowly  spreads  her  shade  ; 
That  soothing  shade,  that  welcome  gloom, 
Can  more  than  day's  enlivening  bloom, 
Quiet  each  wild  and  vain  desire, 
And  calmer,  holier  thoughts  inspire  ; 
From  earth  our  tranquil  spirits  free 
And  lead  our  softened  hearts  to  thee. 


ioO  HYMNS  For  children. 


175. 


Praise  ye  the  Lord,  praise  him  in  the  firmament  of 
his  power.' 

In  every  scene  thy  hands  have  drest, 

In  every  form  by  thee  imprest, 

Upon  the  mountain's  towering  brow, 

Or  where  the  sheUering  woods  spread  low ; 

In  every  note  that  swells  the  gale, 

Or  winding  stream  that  cheers  the  vale, 

The  cavern's  depth,  or  echoing  grove, — 

A  voice  is  heard  of  praise  and  love. 

As  o'er  thy  works  the  seasons  roll, 
And  soothe,  with  varied  joys,  the  soul, 
O  never  may  their  smiling  train 
Pass  by  our  infant  minds  in  vain  ! 
But  oft  as  on  their  charms  we  gaze, 
Attune  our  wondering  souls  to  praise  5 
And  be  the  joys  we  highest  prize, 
Those  joys  that  from  God's  favour  rise. 


176. 

Bless  the  Lord.  O  my  soul  !    bless  his  holy  name. 

O  Lord  God  !    thou  art  very   great,  thou   art 

clothed  with  honour  and  majesty.' 

My  soul,  adore  the  Lord  of  might ! 
With  uncreated  glory  crowned, 
And  clad  in  royalty  of  light, 
He  draws  the  curtained  heavens  round: 
Dark  waters  his  pavilion  form, 
Clouds  are  his  car,  his  wheels  the  storm. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  131 

When  o'er  a  guilty  world  of  old, 

He  summoned  the  destroying  main, 

At  his  rebuke,  the  billows  rolled 

Back  to  their  parent-gulf  again  : 

The  mountains  raised  their  joyful  heads, 

Like  new  creations  from  their  beds. 

Fed  by  the  currents,  fruitful  groves 
Expand  their  leaves,  their  fragrance  fling. 
Where  the  cool  breeze  at  noontide  roves, 
And  birds  among  the  branches  sing  ; 
Soft  fall  the  showers  when  day  declines, 
And  sweet  the  peaceful  rainbow  shines. 

177. 

'  And  on  the  seventh  day  God  rested  from  all  the  work 
which  he  had  made  ; — and  he  blessed  the  seventh 


Types  of  eternal  rest — fair  buds  of  bliss, 
In  heavenly  flowers  unfolding  week  by  week ; 
The  next  world's  gladness  imaged  forth  in  this — 
Days  of  whose  worth  the  Christian   heart  can 
speak. 

Wakeners  of  prayer  in  man — his  resting  hours 
As  on  he  journeys  in  the  narrow  way  ; 
Periods  appointed  to  renew  his  powers, — 
A  gleam  of  glory  and  eternal  day  ! 

Foretastes  of  heaven  on  earth — pledges  of  joy 
Surpassing  fancy's  flights,  or  fiction's  story— 
The  preludes  of  a  feast  that  cannot  cloy. 
And  the  bright  out-courts  of  immortal  glory! 


132  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

178. 

*  Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth   peace, 
and  good  will  toward  men.' 

Array'd  in  clouds  of  golden  light 

More  bright  than  heaven's  resplendent  how, 

Jehovah's  angel  came  by  night 

To  bless  the  sleeping  world  below  ! 

How  soft  the  music  of  his  tongue  ! 

How  sweet  the  hallowed  strains  he  sung  ! 

"  Good  will  henceforth  to  man  be  given/* 
The  light  of  glory  beams  on  earth  ; 
Let  angels  tune  the  harps  of  heaven, 
And  saints  below  rejoice  with  mirth  : 
On  Bethlehem's  plains  the  shepherds  sing, 
And  Judah's  children  hail  their  king! 


179. 

<  Behold  God  is  mighty  ;  he  is  mighty  in  strength  and 

wisdom. Behold  God  is    great,    and    we  know 

him  not,  neither  can   the  number  of  his  years  be 
searched  out.' 


There  is  a  God,  all  nature  speaks, 
Through  earth  and  air,  through  sea  and  skies; 
Lo  !  from  the  clouds  his  glory  breaks, 
When  the  first  beams  of  morning  rise. 

The  glorious  sun,  serenely  bright, 
O'er  the  wide  earth's  extended  frame. 
Inscribes  in  characters  of  light 
The  Almighty  Maker's  glorious  name. 


HYiMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  133 

Unbounded  goodness,  power  divine, 
The  fields  and  verdant  raeads  display ; 
O,  bless  the  Lord,  who  made  them  shine 
With  varied  charms  in  colours  gay. 

For  man  and  beast,  here,  daily  food 
In  wide  diffusive  plenty  grows ; 
And,  there  for  drink  the  crystal  flood 
In  winding  streams  unceasing  flows. 

Where'er  we  turn  our  eyes  abroad, 
And  scan  creation's  wonders  o'er, 
We  trace  the  workmanship  of  God, 
And  humbly  his  great  power  adore. 

180. 

This  is  the  day  that  the  Lord  hath  made  ;  we  will 
rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it.  I  was  glad  when  they 
said  unto    me,    Let  us    go    into    the  house  of  the 

Lord. Blessed    is    every  one   that  feareth  the 

Lord  and  walketh  in  his  ways.' 

Dear  is  the  hallowed  morn  to  me. 
When  cheerful  bells  awake  the  day  : 
And,  by  their  sacred  minstrelsy. 
Call  me  from  earthly  cares  away  : 

And  dear  to  me  the  sacred  hour 
Spent  in  thy  holy  temples,  Lord  ! 
To  feel  devotion's  soothiiig  power, 
To  hear  the  teachings  of  thy  word. 

Oft,  when  the  world  with  iron  hands 
Has  bound  me  in  its  six  days'  chain, 


134  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

This  bursts  me  from  the  earthly  bands, 
And  sets  my  spirit  free  again. 

Yes,  dear  to  me  the  Sabbath  morn  ; 
The  cheerful  bells,  with  wak'ning  voice, 
Have  often  found  my  heart  forlorn. 
But  always  bid  that  heart  rejoice. 


181. 

'  Watch  and    pray,  for  ye   know  not  the  day  nor  the 

hour  when  your  Lord  coraeth. All  that  are  of 

the  earth  shall  turn  to  earth  again.' 

Leaves  have  their  time  to  fall. 
And  flowers  to  wither  at  the  north  wind's  breath, 

And  stars  to  set ; — but  aZ/, 
Thou  hast  all  seasons  for  thine  own — O,  death. 

Day  is  for  mortal  care ; 
Eve  for  glad  meetings  round  the  joyous  hearth ; 

Night  for  the  dreams  of  sleep, — the  voice  of 
prayer,— 
But  all  for  thee,  thou  mightiest  of  the  earth. 

Youth  and  the  opening  rose. 
May  look  like  things  too  glorious  for  decay  ; 

And  smile  at  thee ;  but  thou  art  none  of  those 
That  wait  the  ripened  bloom  to  seize  their  prey. 

Is  it  when  spring's  first  gale, 
Comes  forth  to  whisper  where  the  violets  lie  ? 

Is  it  when  roses  in  our  path  grow  pale  ? 
They  have  one  season — all  are  ours  to  die  ! 


HYMNS  rOR  CHILDREN.  135 

Leaves  have  their  time  to  fall, 
And  flowers  to  wither  at  the  north  wind's  breath. 

And  stars  to  set ; — but  all, 
Thou  hast  all  seasons  for  thine  own — O,  death  ! 


182. 

'  Fear  not  the  sentence  of  death. Take  no  heavi- 
ness to  heart,  drive  it  away,  and  remember  thy 
last  end  VVhen  the  dead  is  at  rest,  let  his  re- 
membrance rest.' 

Yes, — all  we  know  must  die, — 
Though  none  can  tell  the  exact  appointed  hour  ; 

Nor  should  it  cost  the  virtuous  heart  a  sigh, 
Whether  de&th  crush  the  oak,  or  nip  the  opening 
flower  \ 

The  Christian  is  prepared. 
Though  others  tremble  at  the  hour  of  gloom  j 

His  soul  is  always  ready  on  his  guard ; 
His  lamp  is  lighted  'gainst  the  summons  come. 

It  matters  not  the  time 
When  we  shall  end  our  pilgrimage  below; 

Whether  in  youth's  bright  morn,  or  man- 
hood's prime, 
Or  when  the  frost  of  age  has  whitened  o'er  our 
brow  ! 

The  youth  whose  pulse  beats  high. 
Eager  through  glory's  brilliant  course  to  run  ; 

Why  should  we  shed  a  tear,  or  breathe  a  sigh, 
That  the  bright  goal  is  gained — the  prize  thus 
early  won  ? 


136  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

True  ;  all  we  know  must  die, — 
Though  none  can  tell  the  exact  appointed  hour  ; 

Nor  should  it  cost  the  virtuous  heart  a  sigh, 
Whether  death  crush  the  oak,  or  nip  the  opening 
flower ! 


183. 

See  then  that  ye  walk  circumspectly — redeeming 
the  time. Wherefore,  be  ye  not  unwise,  but  un- 
derstand what  the  will  of  the  Lord  is.' 

See  the  fair  summer  now  is  past ! 
The  foliage  late  that  clad  the  trees, 
Stript  by  the  equinoctial  blast. 
Falls,  like  the  dew-drop  on  the  breeze. 

So,  life,  thy  summer  soon  will  end, 
Thine  autumn,  too,  will  quick  decay. 
And  winter  come,  when  thou  shalt  bend 
Within  the  tomb  to  mould  away. 

And,  O  !  thy  summer  passed  away, 
Can  never,  never  hope  return  ! 
Cold  winter  comes,  with  cheerless  ray, 
To  beam  upon  its  dreary  urn  ! 

Then  may  we  daily  seek  to  win 
A  mansion  in  the  heavenly  skies : 
Where  blooming  summers  never  cease 
And  radiant  glory  never  dies ! 

There  an  eternal  life  shall  bloom. 
With  joys  as  vast  as  angel  powers  ! 
And  thrice  ten  thousand  harps  in  tune 
Shall  praise  the  love  that  made  it  ours. 


HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN.  137 


184. 

Jesus  said,  he  that  hath  my  commandments,  and 
keepeth  them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me  :  and  he  that 
loveth  me  shall  be  loved  of  my  Father,  and  I  will 
love  him,  and  will  manifest  myself  unto  him. 
In  the  world  ye  shall  have  tribulation  ;  but  be  of 
good  cheer  :  I  have  overcome  the  woi'ld.' 

How  sweetly  flowed  the  gospel's  sound 
From  lips  of  gentleness  and  grace, 
When  listening  thousands  gathered  round. 
And  joy  and  reverence  filled  the  place  ! 

From  heaven  he  came,  of  heaven  he  spoke, 
To  heaven  he  led  his  followers'  way; 
Dark  clouds  of  gloomy  night  he  broke, 
Unveihng  an  immortal  day. 

"  Come,  wanderers,  to  my  Father's  home, 
Come  all  ye  weary  ones  and  rest !" 
Yes,  sacred  Teacher,  we  will  come, 
Obey  thee,  love  thee,  and  be  blest. 


185. 

Look  upon  the  rainbow,  and  praise  him  that  made 
it  ;  very  beautiful  it  is  in  the  brightness  thereof. 
It  compasseth  the  heavens  about  with  a  glorious 
circle,  and  the  hands  of  the  Most  High  hath  bend- 
ed it.' 

Ere  yet  the  clouds  have  past  away 
The  sacred  rainbow  paints  the  sky ; 

And  bright  on  every  flower  and  spray 
Hang  sparkling  gems  of  varied  dye, 

m2 


138  HYMNS  FOR  CHILDREN. 

Fast  sinking  in  the  golden  west 
Belii)ld  the  sun's  departing  beam ; 

The  soul  elated,  soaring,  blest, 

Dwells  'raptured  on  the  glorious  scene. 

She  views  the  Author,  in  the  light 

That  gilds  the  waters,  field,  and  grove  ; 

Puts  each  unhallowed  thought  to  flight, 
And  soothes  to  heavenly  peace  and  love. 

186. 

*  0  Lord  !  thou  art  great,  and   thy  name  is  great  in 

might. Of  old  hast  thou  laid  the  foundation   of 

the  earth,  and  the  heavens   are    the    work    of  thy 
bands  ; — they  shall  perish,    but  thou   shalt  endure 

thou  art  forever  the  same,  and  thy  years  shall 

have  no  end.' 

Suns  and  planets — every  orb. 

Speak  of  Thee,  who  shin'st  forever; 

Time  will  quench  them — age  absorb — 
Th.^y  will  die ; — but  God  will — never. 

Wealth  and  beauty,  pride  and  power — 
Ties  which  only  death  could  sever— 

Every  fruit  of  earth,  and  flower — 
All  shall  fade — but  He  will — never. 

All  the  field  of  nature's  reign — 
Sunny  landscapes  smiling  ever — 

Brilliant  moon  and  starry  train — 

All  shall  fade — but  Thou  wilt — never. 

AH  shall  fade  from  earth  and  sea ; 

Oceans  fail, — and  mountains  sever; 
Tide  and  time  shall  cease  to  be — 

God  in  Heaven  remains  forever. 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


HTMK 

•&j?ain  time's  never  tiring  hand  104 

A  God  appears  of  grace  and  power  64 

All  nature  shows  in  various  ways  5 

Almighty  God,  by  thy  great  power  2 

Almighty  God,  and  kins  on  high  _    98 

Almighty  God,  most  gracious  power  111 

Almighty  Lord,  to  thee  alone  65 

Almighty  ruler  of  the  skies  49 

Another  day  its  course  has  run  4 

Another  nighi  has  passed  away  15 

Another  fleeting  day  is  gone  16 

Arrayed  in  clouds  of  golden  light  178 

Art  thou  my  Father  28 

Author  of  life,  of  joy,  of  health  47 

Author  of  life,  with  reason's  dawn  83 

Awake,  my  heart,  and  sing  the  praise  21 

Awake,  ray  soul,  and  with  the  sun  23 

Begin,  my  child,  in  early  youth  *74 

Be  it  my  only  wisdom   here  102 

Beyond,  beyond  that  boundless  sea  112 

Bright  stars  of  eve,  your  lucid  rays  91 

By  the  cutting  north  wind  rent  75 

Child  of  patient  industry  43 

Come,  said  Jesus  sacred  voice  164 

Dark  is  the  sky  when  day  retires  42 

Dear  is  the  hallowed  morn  to  ne  180 

Ere  yet  the  clouds  heve  passed  away  185 

Evening  hail,  thou  grateful  shade  46 

Far  from  mortal  cares  retreating  67 

Father,  beneath  whose  watchful  eye  19 

Father,  I  would  not  live  in  vain  45 

Father  of  good,  to  whom  belong  55 

Father  of  heaven,  thy  wondrous  power  85 


140  INDEX    OF    FIRST    LINES, 


HvaiN 

Father,  wliate'er  of  earthly  bliss  127 

Father,  I  pray  thee,  may  my  heart  141 

For  life  with  all  its  varied  joy  39 

Frail  though  ray  young  devotions  be  59 

Fruitless  the  wish  and  vain  the  prayer  54 

Glory  to  our  heavenly  king  70 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high  160 

God, — what  a  great  and  awful  word  130 

God  is  good,  each  perfumed  flower  1 

God  of  mercy,  God  of  love  72 

God  is  here,  how  sweet  the  sound  134 

Go,  like  your  blessed  Saviour  feed  the  poor  157 

Go  mark  the  tear  in  pity's  eye  108 

Greatest  of  beings,  source  of  life  99 

Great  God,  I  would  not  seek  to  know  56 

Great  source  of  unexhausted  good  63 

Great  God,  and  wilt  thou  condescend  31 

Guard  me  from  pride,  from  vain  desire  27 

Guide  of  our  youth,  to  thee  we  pray  40 

Hail,  sacred  season,  peaceful  day  73 

Hast  thou,  my  soul,  improved  each  power  92 

Here  our  larief  and  tiansient  days  131 

How  good  and  pleasant  is  the  sight  161 

How  manifold  thy  works,  O  Lord  169 

How  pleasant  it  is  at  the  close  of  the  day  11 

How  sweetly  flo\yed  the  gospel's  sound  184 

Humblj  \7alk  and  heaven  will  love  thee  52 

If  solid  happiness  we  prize  173 

I  live  again  to  see  the  day  93 

I'll  bless  Jehovah's  glorious  name  156 

I  love  to  rove  amid  the  starry  height  144 

In  every  scene  thj'^  hands  have  drest  175 

I  praised  the  earth  145 

I  see  a  God  at  every  step               '  63 

Lead  us,  heavenly  Father,  lead  us  129 

Leaves  have  their  time  to  fall  181 

Let  guilty  souls  imprest  v.itb  fear  155 


INDEX    OF    FIRST    LINES.  141 

HYM!? 

Let  me  with  fervour  praise  the  Lord  87 

Look  through  creation  and  behold  81 

Lord  of  universal  nature  103 

Lord,  through  the  slippery  paths  of  youth  79 

Lotd,  while  on  earth  we  here  remain  166 

Love  God  with  all  your  soul  89 

May  our  first  dawn  of  reason  rise  153 

Mortal,  while  the  sunny  beam  66 

My  God,  I  thank  thee  that  the  night  3 

My  God,  thy  boundless  love  I  praise  78 

My  God,  by  thy  protecting  power  125 

My  God,  all  nature  owns  thy  sway  174 

My  soul,  adore  the  Lord  of  might  176 

Nature  owns  thee  for  her  God  140 

Night  has  dropt  her  dusky  veil  167 

Night  is  the  time   for  rest  71 

Now  behold  the  mid-day  sun  41 

Of  all  the  gifts  in  virtue's  power  100 

O  come  and  learn  this  kind  command  148 

O  Father,  spread  thy  guardian  arm  50 

O  Father,  though  some  anxious  care  126 

O  God,  to  thee  who  first  hast  given  57 

O  God,  thy  goodness  fills  all  space  150 

O  grant  thy  blessing,  Lord,  to-day  97 

O  heavenly  Father,  gracious  friend  7 

O  happy  is  the  child  that  hears  20 

O  I  will  wake  and  quickly  rise  35 

O  is  there  not  a  mighty -power  95 

O  my  soul,  with  ail  thy  powers  172 

O  to  be  pure  as  morning  light  343 

O  thou  to  whom  in  ancient  time  142 

O  thou  to  whom  the  grateful  song  34 

O  thou,  who  rulest  the  realms  on  high  26 

G  when  the  hours  of  life  are  past  115 
O  whence  is  the  freshness  that  gives  the  flower  165 

Once  more,  my  soul,  the  rising  day  22 

Onward,  onward,  may  we  press  69 

On  the  waves  there  is  a  form  ]  13 


142  INDEX    OF    FIRST    LINES. 


HIMN 

Our  youthful  joys  fly  like  a  summer's  gale  118 

Our  life  advances  to  its  close  119 

Our  youthful  years  fleet  quick  awuy  128 

Our  Father  God  who  dwell'st  in  heaven  24 

Our  Father,  yield  an  evening  blessing  158 

Poor  insect,  what  a  little  day  132 

Prosperity,  thy  cloudless  hours  135 

Providence  profusely  kind  84 

Sabbath  day  of  peace  and  joy  14 

Safely  through  another  week  159 

Say  what  is  life  32 
Seconds  make  minutes,  minutes  form  the  hours  170 

See  the  leaves  around  us  fallinof  48 

See  the  fair  summer  now  is  past  183 

See  the  golden  orb  of  day  90 

See  the  gleams  of  daylight  swim  94 

Shun  delays,  they  bring  remorse  82 

Since  soul  decays  not,  freed  from  earth  136 

Suns  and  planets,  every  orb  186 

Sweet  is  the  voice  of  well-earned  praise  9 

Sweet  is  the  scene  where  virtue  dies  138 

Sweet  violet,  thou  that  dwellest  alone  147 

Taste  not  from  envy's  poisonous  fountain  58 

Tell  me,  moments  now  no  more  76 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  while  here  below  110 

The  shades  of  night  were  scarcely  fled  146 

The  hour  of  ray  departure's  come  152 

The  morning  flowers  display  their  sweets  154 

The  wind  blows  down  the  largest  tree  25 

The  summer  winds  sings  lullaby  33 

The  morning  hours  of  cheerful  light  37 

The  sun  goes  down,  another  sabbath  day  61 
The  willow  that  droops  by  the  side  of  the  river       77 

The  summer  ends  its  short  career  86 

The  infant  deems  some  pleasure  lies  107 

The  rose,  the  sweetly  blooming  rose  116 

There  is  a  time  when  moments  flow  168 

There  is  a  tongue  in  every  leaf  18 


INDEX    OF    FIRST    LINES, 


143 


TMN 

There's  not  a  tint  that  paints  the  rose  44 

There  is  a  God,  all  nature  speaks  179 

There  is  an  eye  that  all  surveys  106 

There  is  a  world  we  have  not  seen  51 

These  emmets  how  little  they  are  17 

Think,  O  my  soul,  how  much  depends  123 

This  is  the  sum  of  every  part  149- 

Thou  shalt  not  steal  thy  neighbour's  right  8 

Thou  art,  O  God,  the  life  and  light  68 

Thou  didst  make  the  darksome  night  162 

Thought  of  wonder,  O  how  mighty  122 

Through  each  perplexing  path  of  life  117 

Thy  glory.  Lord,  the  heavens  declare  171 

To  God,  while  flowers  bloom  on  the  bank  124 

To  thee,  almighty  God  and  king  105 

To  thee,  O  Lord,  we  humbly  pray  88 

To  be  resigned,  when  ills  betide  6 

Types  of  eternal  rest,  fair  buds  of  bliss  177 

Wake,  wake,  see  the  dawn,  it  is  time  to  arise         12 

Weep  not  for  me  because  I  must  die  137 

We  sing  thy  mercy,  God  of  love  30 

We've  passed  a  pleasant  sabbath,  day  35 

What  pleasure  can  the  idle  feel  10 

What  can  I,  my  maker,  do  13 

Whate'er  thou  purposest  to  do  62 

What  is  our  life  ?  ah,  but  a  shining  vapour  133 

When  gay  in  life,  ere  joys  depart  139 

When  near,  0  Lord,  thy  heavenly  throne  60 

When  in  thy  temple,  Lord,  we  bow  80 

When  in  the  morning  of  my  days  96 

When  on  the  fragrant  sandal  tree  114 

When  a  (ew  weeks  or  days  perhaps  121 

When  rousing  I  behold  on  high  l6iJ 

Who  gave  the  sun  his  noon-day  light  151 

Why  should  a  weak  or  vain  desire  120 

With  warm  affection  let  us  view  29 

With  firm  resolve  and  equal  mind  .38 

With  grateful  joy  will  we  record  101 

Yes,  all  we  know  must  die  382 

Yon  trlorious  clouds  that  curtaia  rouud  109 


No.  128,  Washington-Strett,  Boston. 
MUNROE  AND  FRANCIS  have  lately  published, 
By  the  Author  of  this  work, 

COXTVEXlSATIOirs 

OR 

<3futtre  to  mnotoletJfle ; 

WITH 

QUESTIONS. 

FOR    THE    USE    OP    SCHOOLS. 


Extract  from  the  ZJ.  S.  Literary  Gazette. 
It  is  not  easy  to  say  of  what  this  little  book  treats, 
except  by  selectmg^  subjects  from  the  Index.  There  we 
find  nearly  three  hundred  topics,  more  or  less  interest- 
ing, upon  which  a  mother  and  her  daughter  converse  in 
a  very  intelligent  and  intelligible  manner.  We  are  grat- 
ified with  finding  an  American  writer,  who  duly  esti- 
mates the  importance  of  giving  to  children  such  knowl- 
edge as  will  be  actually  useful  to  them,  instead  of  filling 
their  minds  with  vague,  and  therefore  useless  notions  of 
subjects,  which  are  not  accommodated  to  their  age.  We 
do  not  mean  to  imply  that  this  point  has  been  hitherto 
wholly  neglected  ;  but  that  our  school  hooks  are  gener- 
ally very  deficient  in  facts  which  children  can  under- 
stand, and  which  are  directly  adapted  to  tell  them  what 
they  most  need  to  know.  To  form  their  minds  rightly, 
they  should  have  descriptions  of  such  things  as  actually 
exist,  and  not  learned  discussions,  nor  abstract  specula- 
tions, nor  imperfect  rudiments  of  sciences,  which  can- 
not yet  be  learned.  Whoever  considers  how  limited 
their  knowledge  is,  will  easily  believe  that  they  are  in- 
capable even  of  increasing  it  by  m,any,  if  not  most,  of 
the  lessons  which  compose  their  books  for  reading^. 


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